Morphometric analysis of river basins using GIS as a basis for peak discharge calculation. Case of study: PreAndean section of National Route 150, Argentina.

MARÍA YANINA ESPER ANGILLIERI; OSCAR MARIO FERNÁNDEZ; MIGUEL PEREYRA; GINESTA TORCIVIA CARLA EMILIA; RIOS NATALIA NOEMI

Advances in Geomorphology and Quaternary Studies in Argentina

Springer Nature

Año: 2019; p. 129 - 135

This work analyzes various morphometric characteristics of river basins in order to evaluate debris flood or flash flood hazards. The chosen area includes a section of National Route 150 up to the International Border Pass to Chile, access to the future international tunnel of Agua Negra, between Argentina and Chile in a sector of the Western and Central PreAndes. One of the most important tools in hydrological analysis is the morphometric survey of a river basin, which allows establishing evaluation parameters on the behavior of the hydrological system of the river basin areas. Geographical information system (GIS) has emerged as an efficient tool in delineation of drainage pattern andground water potential and its planning. A total of 122 river basins were identified and delineated, but only 3 (those of larger surface area) were selected for morphometric analysis and as a suitable case to evaluate the potential magnitude of flash floods in relation to their associated hazard level in the region. In addition, a peak discharge analysis was performed to predict approximately the behavior of the river basin in the presence of a series oftheoretical rainstorms that may generate unusual runoff volumes that make up such flash floods. This study, when properly combined with geomorphology and geology analyses, helps to elaborate a primary hydrological diagnosis to predict the approximate behavior of the river basin at the time of heavy rainstorms.