Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility

Abstract Big data present unprecedented opportunities to test long-standing theories regarding patterns and rates of geomorphic river adjustments. Here, we use locational probabilities derived from Landsat imagery (1988-2019) to quantify the dynamics of 600 km2 of riverbed in 10 Philippine catchment...

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Main Authors: Richard J. Boothroyd, Richard D. Williams, Trevor B. Hoey, Gary J. Brierley, Pamela L. M. Tolentino, Esmael L. Guardian, Juan C. M. O. Reyes, Cathrine J. Sabillo, Laura Quick, John E. G. Perez, Carlos P. C. David
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58427-9
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author Richard J. Boothroyd
Richard D. Williams
Trevor B. Hoey
Gary J. Brierley
Pamela L. M. Tolentino
Esmael L. Guardian
Juan C. M. O. Reyes
Cathrine J. Sabillo
Laura Quick
John E. G. Perez
Carlos P. C. David
author_facet Richard J. Boothroyd
Richard D. Williams
Trevor B. Hoey
Gary J. Brierley
Pamela L. M. Tolentino
Esmael L. Guardian
Juan C. M. O. Reyes
Cathrine J. Sabillo
Laura Quick
John E. G. Perez
Carlos P. C. David
author_sort Richard J. Boothroyd
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Big data present unprecedented opportunities to test long-standing theories regarding patterns and rates of geomorphic river adjustments. Here, we use locational probabilities derived from Landsat imagery (1988-2019) to quantify the dynamics of 600 km2 of riverbed in 10 Philippine catchments. Analysis of lateral adjustments reveals spatially non-uniform variability in along-valley patterns of geomorphic river mobility, with zones of relative stability interspersed with zones of relative instability. Hotspots of mobility vary in magnitude, size and location between catchments. We could not identify monotonic relationships between local factors (active channel width, valley floor width and confinement ratio) and mobility. No relation between the channel pattern type and rates of adjustment was evident. We contend that satellite-derived locational probabilities provide a spatially continuous dynamic metric that can help unravel and contextualise forms and rates of geomorphic river adjustment, thereby helping to derive insights into idiosyncrasies of river behaviour in dynamic landscapes.
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spelling doaj-art-b671e7ba90ed4ed682221b92debf2dcb2025-08-20T03:04:51ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-04-0116111310.1038/s41467-025-58427-9Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobilityRichard J. Boothroyd0Richard D. Williams1Trevor B. Hoey2Gary J. Brierley3Pamela L. M. Tolentino4Esmael L. Guardian5Juan C. M. O. Reyes6Cathrine J. Sabillo7Laura Quick8John E. G. Perez9Carlos P. C. David10School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of GlasgowSchool of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of GlasgowDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Brunel University LondonSchool of Environment, University of AucklandSchool of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of GlasgowNational Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the PhilippinesNational Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the PhilippinesNational Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the PhilippinesSchool of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of GlasgowNational Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the PhilippinesNational Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the PhilippinesAbstract Big data present unprecedented opportunities to test long-standing theories regarding patterns and rates of geomorphic river adjustments. Here, we use locational probabilities derived from Landsat imagery (1988-2019) to quantify the dynamics of 600 km2 of riverbed in 10 Philippine catchments. Analysis of lateral adjustments reveals spatially non-uniform variability in along-valley patterns of geomorphic river mobility, with zones of relative stability interspersed with zones of relative instability. Hotspots of mobility vary in magnitude, size and location between catchments. We could not identify monotonic relationships between local factors (active channel width, valley floor width and confinement ratio) and mobility. No relation between the channel pattern type and rates of adjustment was evident. We contend that satellite-derived locational probabilities provide a spatially continuous dynamic metric that can help unravel and contextualise forms and rates of geomorphic river adjustment, thereby helping to derive insights into idiosyncrasies of river behaviour in dynamic landscapes.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58427-9
spellingShingle Richard J. Boothroyd
Richard D. Williams
Trevor B. Hoey
Gary J. Brierley
Pamela L. M. Tolentino
Esmael L. Guardian
Juan C. M. O. Reyes
Cathrine J. Sabillo
Laura Quick
John E. G. Perez
Carlos P. C. David
Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
Nature Communications
title Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
title_full Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
title_fullStr Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
title_full_unstemmed Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
title_short Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
title_sort big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58427-9
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