Complex network modeling of a river basin: an application to the Guadalquivir River in Southern Spain

Abstract In this paper, complex network analysis is used to analyze the structure of a whole river basin. A classification nodes and edges that allow basin be represented as directed given. Both global local characterization metrics are presented. Thus, centralization indexes, average path length, diameter, efficiency, edge degree strength distributions can computed interpreted. The closeness betweenness centrality well PageRank index different also calculated provide information on relative position each node in terms their distance upstream downstream nodes, reachability from other etc. addition, new based environmental impact potential spill or contaminant release has been applied. This type particularly useful hydrologic networks helps identify key contamination propagation point view. application proposed approach Guadalquivir River basin, Southern Spain, Apart validating index, most important finding scale-free character its consequences.