Quantifying delta channel network changes with Landsat time-series data

Delta channel networks (DCNs) are highly complex and dynamic systems that governed by natural anthropogenic perturbations. Challenges remain in quickly quantifying the length, width, migration, pattern changes of deltaic channels accurately with a high frequency. Here, we develop quantitative framework, which introduces water occurrence algorithm based on Landsat time-series data spatial morphological delineation methods, order to measure DCN structures associated changes. In examining Pearl River (PRD) Irrawaddy (IRD) as case studies, analyze their conditions trends between 1986 2018 at ten-year intervals. Both study areas have undergone various human interventions, including dam construction, sand mining, land use change driven urbanization. Our results show following: (1) 0.5 extraction data, delineation, analysis methods can quantify morphodynamics DCNs effectively root-mean-square error 15.1 m; (2) there was no evident migration either PRD or IRD average widths 387.6 300.9 m, respectively. Most underwent remarkable shrinkage, rates 0.4–6.4 m/year, while were only slight IRD, is consistent observed sediment load variation. The this research potential contribute sustainable river management terms flood prevention, riparian tideland reclamation, regulation. Moreover, proposed framework be used new global delta network dataset generalized remotely sensed discharge depth estimation.