Abstract
Field reconnaissance has difficulty in providing information on topographic features of debris flow in vegetation-covered mountain regions. The study used drone-captured multispectral imaging, digital terrain models, and geomorphic indices to investigate the sources and erosion patterns of gravelly debris flows in mountainous areas. Geomorphic indices, including the topographic wetness index (TWI), stream power index (SPI), sediment transport index, terrain ruggedness index (TRI), and the vegetation index normal differential water index (NDWI), were used to identify key topographic and hydraulic characteristics that contribute to the initiation of gravelly debris flows. The analysis revealed that the debris flows originated from the softening of yellow soil and the dislodging of gravel in loess areas, both induced by surficial water infiltration. Areas with high TWI and SPI values were vulnerable to erosion from surficial water, leading to the formation of erosion gullies. Likewise, regions with high TWI and NDWI values were likely starting points for upstream landslides. Conversely, areas characterized by low TWI and TRI values but high NDWI were prone to downstream sediment deposition. Drone-based multispectral imaging, augmented by geomorphic and vegetation indices, effectively captures the characteristics of vegetation-covered areas, thereby enhancing debris flow field investigations in an inaccessible mountain area.
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All authors contributed to the study’s conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by HWChen, CYChen, and PZYang. The first draft of the manuscript was written by CYChen and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Chen, HW., Chen, CY. & Yang, PZ. Using drone-based multispectral imaging for investigating gravelly debris flows and geomorphic characteristics. Environ Earth Sci 83, 247 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-024-11544-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-024-11544-y