Assessment and Quantitative Evaluation of Loess Area Geomorphodiversity Using Multiresolution DTMs (Roztocze Region, SE Poland)

The geodiversity of loess areas is reflected in the characteristic dataset landforms, with dominance several types valley forms (mainly gullies). availability satellite elevation data and high-resolution aerial topography scanning provides an opportunity for quantitative assessment geomorphodiversity. This done through analysis topographic texture, delimitation statistical characterization parameters erosional such as volume degree dissection (density valleys) or ‘coverage’ area by forms. An important factor affecting accuracy estimation underlying digital terrain model (DTM). study compares three models, cell sizes 30, 10 1 m, generated from altimetry airborne laser (ALS) data. subregion Szczebrzeszyn Roztocze (Western Region, SE Poland), i.e., one most typical relief regions Poland, was selected area. Selected texture analyses were carried out using SLRM (Simple Local Relief Model) algorithm. Delimitation valleys performed delineating extent slope change two key steps: (1) detection below average surface; (2) supervised classification DTMs. results show that increases inversely proportional to DTMs resolution. Automated allows extraction, well valleys. Finally, indicators have been proposed, Relative Valley Area (RVA) Area-normalised Cubature (AVC), which can be used geomorphodiversity studies a geologically homogeneous dimensionless RVA index also expressed percentage (%) basic field km2. Furthermore, AVC shows dynamic character main features analysed