Classification of pediments based on a geomorphometric approach in Ashkezar zone, Yazd

Abstract

Pediments are one of the most important natural formations whose identification and classification helps to make geomorphological maps. In general, pediments are divided into three types: eroded, mantled, and covered. The dominant approach in identifying types of plains is the visual interpretation of low-velocity aerial and satellite data and dependency on the interpreter's background knowledge. Nowadays, a geomorphometric approach based on measuring geomorphological forms can help to identify landforms. In this research, based on the geomorphometric approach and using the ASTERGDEM digital elevation model, the curvature indices and the RTP index of various plains in Ashkezar area of Yazd are identified and extracted. The results show that the geomorphometric indices including profile curvature, planimetric curvature, longitudinal curvature and general curvature have a good resolution to differentiate the different types of plains from one another. Due to the differences among the calculated mean values for the mentioned parameters, it is possible to classify pediments. Of the parameters studied, In addition, the profile and planimetric curvatures and the RTP index the most accurate parameters for the classification of pediments.

Keywords

• ashkezar
• geomorphometric parameter
• pediment
• rtp index