Transformation of different reaches of the Niida River (Japan) after extreme flood

Abstract

Extreme floods can have different effects on the river bottom relief depending on several factors. The geomorphological impact of the extreme flood occurring in the Niida River basin (Fukushima prefecture, Honshu inland, Japan) on the channels and river bottom of different reaches of the river is analyzed. High-resolution satellite images and field assessments were used for quantitative evaluation of river bottom transformation which mainly occurred in the lower reach of the Niida river. The lower reach of the Niida River was divided on three subzones according the channel gradient changes. Each sub-zones is correspond with the dominance of a certain type of channel (straight, meandering and wandering). It was found that bank erosion exceeded in- channel deposition in 1,7-2,7 times for all types of river channel in the low reach located within the coastal floodplain. However, floodplain sedimentation is the most active processes for the river sections with meandering and wandering types of the river channel. Floodplain sedimentation exceed bank-erosion in 2.2 times for river sections with the meandering type of channel and in 2.9 time for the river sections with wandering type of channel. It was found that bank erosion exceeded in- channel deposition in 1,7-2,7 times for all types of river channel in the low reach located within the coastal floodplain. However, floodplain sedimentation is the most active processes for the river sections with meandering and wandering types of the river channel. Floodplain sedimentation exceed bankerosion in 2.2 times for river sections with the meandering type of channel and in 2.9 time for the river sections with wandering type of channel. The bank erosion exceeds floodplain deposition in 1,2 times only within the river sections with straight type of channel. Total sedimentation (in-channel + floodplain) in 2.6 times higher than bank erosion in the lower reach of the Niida River after extreme flood event with probability 4-5%.

Keywords

• Bank erosion
• sedimentation
• Niida river
• valley bottom transformation