Geomorphological analysis of Scopia catchment (Central Greece), using DEM data and GIS

Abstract

In this study a geomorphological analysis of Scopia catchment was achieved, using digital elevation model (DEM) and GIS. The study area is a 7th order drainage catchment with total number and total length of streams 2, 303 and 1, 253.53 km, respectively. Mean bifurcation ratio value (3.57) is distinctive of runoff s predominance versus infiltration, while the 2th stream orders refrain from ideal development, as many of them contribute directly to 4th stream orders. The drainage density (2.86) and the stream frequency (5.25), relate to the dense vegetation and the limited permeability of the lithological formations. The area and perimeter are 438.79 km2 and 116.06 km, respectively, the circularity is 0.40 and the elongation ratio 0.59, indicating that Scopia is a large-sized and elongated in shape catchment, less efficient in runoff discharge. The relief of the study area is hilly; with a relatively large average slope of 10.64° that expresses the quantitative of the roughness relief. The greater proportion of slopes ranges from 0° to 5°. They represent the flat to slightly inclined relief covering the cultivated areas on the central and west part of the catchment. The hypsometric integral value (25.74%) indicates that Scopia is an area not in equilibrium status, that may present the form of maturity stage, but in fact is in a transition stage (monadnock phase).