Morphometric analysis of the main Salí river tributaries in the Tapia - Trancas basin applying GIS and remote sensing data

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the morphometric analysis performed on the main Salí tributaries at the Tapia - Trancas basin, Tucumán, Argentina. The morphometric parameters were computed according to Horton - Strahler methodology with the support of geographic information systems and remote sensing data (SRTM digital elevation model). The relationship between the order of the rivers, average length and the number of rivers, follows geometric tendencies. The storage coefficient indicates longer times to reach peak flows and attenuated erosion processes for the Choromoro, Tapia and Acequiones rivers (high values of Rho). Higher values of the torrentiality coefficient characterized the watersheds of  Candelaria river, Tala river and India Muerta Creek, indicating the occurrence of flash floods and fast alluvial floods. The average extent of runoff was higher in the Tapia and Choromoro rivers, which would imply a longer time to reach peak flow. The Acequiones River had the highest drainage density, indicating the development of the hydrological network on impermeable rocks. The frequency of rivers was indicative of scarce development in the case of the India Muerta stream, which is also proven by its low drainage density and scarce surface area. The sub-basins of the Choromoro, Vipos and Acequiones rivers had higher values of Fr, which represented a greater availability of surface water, less permeability and greater susceptibility to erosion. The morphometric analysis based on the processing of remote sensing data allowed the characterization of the drainage networks of the main tributaries of the Salí river in the region of Tapia-Trancas basin and the identification of those which present a greater susceptibility to erosion.