Relationships between the morphometry of alpine and subalpine basins and remotely sensed estimates of lake turbidity, glacier national park, montana

Abstract:

Relationships between characteristics of alpine and subalpine drainage basin form and estimates of lake turbidity were examined. The study was designed to provide insight into sediment removal and delivery systems in an environment where direct process studies are difficult because of logistical constraints. Remote sensing techniques were developed to assess lake turbidity levels through the acquisition of spectral responses by the Landsat Thematic Mapper. Topographic maps were interpreted to derive measurements of morphometric characteristics of 25 study basins within Glacier National Park, Montana. The morphometric variables were chosen to describe basin characteristics related to sediment removal and transport processes. Correlation analysis, principal components analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to assess characteristics of basin form and the relationship to levels of lake turbidity. A significant correlation between the first principal component, which accounted for the general morphometric character of basins, and estimated lake turbidity was discovered. The areal extent of glacial ice and total stream length within the basins were the most significant variables related to estimated levels of lake turbidity. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Año de publicación:

1992

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus