Using of GIS Techniques to Assess the Spatial Changes of the Fluvial Islands in the Corabia Area – Bechet Harbor Sector (Km 626-679) between 1910-2017

Abstract

The study area is a part of the Lower Danube sector and belongs to the Gura VaiiCalarasi sub-sector. This area is characterized by a course without important secondary branches and an asymmetric floodplain, very well developed on the left bank. Climate changes and anthropogenic impact from the last centuries have changed the hydro-morphological characteristics of the Danube River significantly. Using GIS methods and techniques in the field of hydrology/river geomorphology facilitates the morphometric analysis of the fluvial islets present in the Danube riverbed through determining their morphometric parameters. All of the parameters that define a fluvial island will be calculated by the detailed analysis of cartographic documents, aerial photograph, and satellite imagery. Based on the historical and recent cartographic sources, satellite imagery and in-situ measurements, the Danube in this sector undergoing a modeling process under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. Thus, during the analyzed period there were changes in the width and shape of the riverbed, especially on the left bank, the right bank being higher and more stable. There have been significant changes to the islets in this sector. These consisted in changes in the geometry of the islands, either by increasing their surface or by diminishing them, migrating, sticking to one of the banks and even disappearing some of them over the period under review.

Keywords

• riverbed
• fluvial island
• GIS techniques