SDR

SDR maps spatially distributed sediment delivery ratio (SDR) within river basins using GRASS GIS to quantify sediment transport dynamics, water quality impacts, and debris-flow/mudflow hazards.

Key Features:

• GRASS GIS implementation: The method is implemented within the GRASS GIS environment to operate on spatial datasets for river basins.
• r.sdr Python module: A GRASS GIS module named r.sdr is implemented in Python to perform SDR computations.
• Multiple literature equations: SDR is evaluated using multiple equations from existing scientific literature, providing methodological flexibility.
• Spatially distributed SDR estimation: The tool produces spatially explicit SDR values to represent variability across catchments and stream channels.
• Case study application: The approach has been demonstrated on the Feo Creek watershed in the Apennines area of northeastern Umbria, Italy.

Scientific Applications:

• Sediment transport assessment: Quantifies spatial patterns of sediment delivery to stream channels for understanding sediment routing processes.
• Water quality analysis: Informs evaluations of sediment-related impacts on water quality through spatial SDR estimates.
• Debris-flow and mudflow hazard analysis: Supports assessment of areas prone to increased frequency or impact of debris flows and mudflows due to sediment delivery.
• Environmental management and planning: Provides spatial SDR information to inform sediment mitigation and watershed management strategies.

Methodology:

Implemented as a GRASS GIS module r.sdr written in Python that evaluates SDR using multiple equations from the literature within a GIS framework to account for spatial variability.