The Mekong from satellite imagery: A quick look at a large river

摘要: Abstract Physical datasets on rivers, thousands of kilometres long, can be efficiently and rapidly acquired through satellite imagery. As large rivers commonly cross several tectonic climatic zones, their channels are composed a number units, each with characteristic morphology behaviour. Separating river into such units provides framework for understanding the geomorphology concerned, allowing acquisition information environmental impact analysis management. About 2500 km Mekong River, from China border to sea, has been examined SPOT images selection MODIS IKONOS scenes in support. Hydrological data River Commission, hydrographic maps field observations have used verify extend findings The technique rapid holistic conceptualisation forms functions along derived eight-unit classification River. Such is valuable (1) determining selected aspects geomorphological behaviour system, (2) analysing project-related impacts, (3) examining geological evolution river. Investigating difficult resource consuming, but imagery an easy tool. cost images, however, may high as them required this type analysis.