Automated numerical estimation of meander length and amplitude

Abstract

This paper details a novel numerical method for automatic estimation of stream meander length. It is based upon Langbein et al. (1966) and produces a single meander length and meander amplitude over a given reach that minimises the least-squares error. This algorithm has been applied to 1,456 reach segments, each approximately of 1 km flow path, throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. These estimates were used in the Physical Form theme of the Murray-Darling Basin Sustainable Rivers Audit (SRA). This paper details the method and presents results from one reach and then a summary from all 1,546 study reaches. The algorithm for estimation of meander length is based upon the theory of Langbein et ..