Rapid Geomorphic Assessment and survey of change of Babol River in Babol city, Mazandaran province

Abstract

Urbanization modifies river systems more than other human activity. Urban streams adjust channel morphology as a consequence of urbanization. In this paper, effects of urbanization on Babol River, survey using with Rapid Geomorphic Assessment (RGA) in Babol city. This protocol designed by Stormwater management (SWM) of New York State. These qualitative techniques have various indicators are grouped into four categories indicating a specific geomorphic process. Babolrood channel was divided into 8 reaches. Field surveys were achieved reaches with four factors including: Aggradation, Degradation, Channel Widening and Planimetric Form. Then, satellite images of Google Earth were used to document of modification of river channel width. Based on the findings of Rapid Geomorphic Assessment, All sites achieved a score of less than 0.25, and were in stable class. Aggradation and channel widening have earned more scores than the other factors. During the period of 8 years, the channel width had modified between -7 m and 5 m. Also, there is a significant relationship between land use and changes of channel width. In this case, landuse of residential and agriculture have decreased or increased changes respectively. The result of T paired Test at the 0.05 significance level represents the channel width has experienced a Significant changes in the six reaches. Also, there is a significant relationship between land use and changes of channel width.

Keywords

• urban river
• rapid geomorphic assessment
• babolrood
• mazandaran