GIS In the hydromorphology analysis of selected meanders of the Crna reka

Abstract

<jats:p>Hydromorphological changes in river systems, particularly in the context of meanders, are crucial for understanding the dynamics of fluvial environments. Meandering is a natural process in lowland areas where rivers form curved, sinusoidal flows driven by the complex interaction of hydraulic forces, sediment transport and bank erosion. These changes alter the physical morphology of rivers, influencing water quality and flood risks. The meandering process of the Crna Reka can be accessed through the processing and analysis of topographic maps and satellite imagery from the Landsat mission (1983–2013) and Sentinel-2 mission (2018–2023). Parameters analyzed include river channel width, the central flow line within a given sector, the sinuosity of the river channel, the radius of curvature of river bends, the length of meandering belts, the width of meandering channels, and riverbed migrations. Between 1964 and 2023, an increase in the sinuosity coefficient, a rise in the number of bends from 10 to 23, changes in the radius of curvature from 271 m to 577 m, and alterations in the length and width of meandering were observed. Significant lateral erosion on the right bank and dominant sedimentation on the left bank were also evident. Understanding these processes is crucial for predicting future river flow changes and mitigating potential environmental impacts.</jats:p>