A multi-resolution method to map and identify locations of future gully and channel incision

While channel erosion is recognised as a major, often-dominant, source of river sediment, channel geometry and its change remain impractical to measure for anything but small experimental watersheds. Designing remediation strategies in landscapes affected by channel erosion requires information on the extent and location of current incised channel features, as well as a method to determine locations where incision may occur in the future. We present a multi-resolution algorithm that uses topographic information to concurrently map both existing incised landform elements and areas at risk of future incision. The former uses elevation, slope and profile curvature to identify topographic signatures of incised landform elements, and the latter uses landscape position, topographic wetness index and stream power index to isolate areas likely susceptible to future incision.