Morphological Evolution of the Binahaan River, Palo, Leyte, 6501, Philippines

Abstract

Using Landsat satellite images, this study evaluated the morphological evolution of the Binahaan River, Palo from 2000-2020. It focuses on quantifying the morphological changes in terms of river planform parameters namely channel width, channel length, channel area, and sinuosity, as well as erosion and accretion rates. Multi-temporal satellite images were collected and analyzed to recognize the quinquennial and seasonal alterations. With the quantification of the spatial extent and rates of bank-line alterations by means of remote sensing, the purpose is to better understand the erosion and accretion processes of the Binahaan River from the perspective of its planform parameters. Throughout the study period, the river experienced significant morphological changes in planform; however, no consistent trend was found due to the dynamic nature of the river. The seasonal and quinquennial erosion and accretion rates of the river were also analyzed. It was found that the right bank line was more susceptible to erosion and accretion. Seasonally, the river was more prone to sediment accumulation which led to the narrowing of channel widths and decreasing channel area. In the quinquennial comparison during the dry seasons, the river was mostly dominated by erosion, while during wet seasons, the river was more prone to accretion. In terms of change in the area, whether by loss or gain of land, the river consistently displayed increasing change from 2000 to 2020. The results of this study could be utilized to develop an integrated strategy for its management and restore the fundamental processes that shape and maintain the river.