Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility

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Boothroyd, Richard J ORCID: 0000-0001-9742-4229, Williams, Richard D, Hoey, Trevor B, Brierley, Gary J, Tolentino, Pamela LM, Guardian, Esmael L, Reyes, Juan CMO, Sabillo, Cathrine J, Quick, Laura, Perez, John EG et al (show 1 more authors) and David, Carlos PC (2025) Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 16 (1). 3263-. ISSN 2041-1723, 2041-1723

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	37 Earth Sciences, 3709 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Divisions:	Faculty of Science & Engineering Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2025 15:40
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 16:57
DOI:	10.1038/s41467-025-58427-9
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3191011
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