Analisys of longitudinal river profiles for the detection of geomorphological anomalies. Application to a sector of the northern coast of Alborán Sea (Spain)

  • José María Senciales González Departamento de Geografía. Universidad de Málaga.
  • Jesús Rodrigo Comino Physische Geographie, Behringstrasse. Universität Trier Instituto de Geomorfología y Suelos. Universidad de Málaga.
  • Juan Francisco Martínez Murillo Departamento de Geografía. Universidad de Málaga. Instituto de Geomorfología y Suelos. Universidad de Málaga.
  • José Damián Ruiz Sinoga Departamento de Geografía. Universidad de Málaga. Instituto de Geomorfología y Suelos. Universidad de Málaga.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/AGUC.60473
Keywords: Longitudinal fluvial profiles, geomorphological anomalies, ratio LE, structural causes, water erosion, knickpoints.

Abstract

The LE ratio (exponential logarithmic) is a useful geomorphological tool to adjust longitudinal fluvial profiles using an equation. The obtained results allow assessing and quantifying anomalies as well as ruptures (knickpoints) with different origins. In this study, 33 little basins from a sector of the northern coast of the Alboran Sea (Málaga-Granada, Spain) were analyzed by applying the LE ratio and other tested indexes (Hack, Shulitsand Green). In all cases, we obtained by means of a LE ratio a linear correlation coefficient about R2≥0.95 (p<0.01) between the real profile and the evaluated model. Regarding this, several knickpoints were consequences of geological causes: faults, overthrusts, and dips, and differences in lithologic contacts. Moreover, high correlations were found between a decrease of profile inclinations and regional flattening surfaces. Finally, we observed different heights of stepped levels as a consequence of the acceleration of the fluvial stream profile through the steeps.

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Published
2018-05-28
How to Cite
Senciales González J. M., Rodrigo Comino J., Martínez Murillo J. F. y Ruiz Sinoga J. D. (2018). Analisys of longitudinal river profiles for the detection of geomorphological anomalies. Application to a sector of the northern coast of Alborán Sea (Spain). Anales de Geografía de la Universidad Complutense, 38(1), 161-194. https://doi.org/10.5209/AGUC.60473
Issue
Vol. 38 No. 1 (2018)
Section
Studios and Research

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