A generalized framework for inferring river bathymetry from image-derived velocity fields

Carl J. Legleiter; Paul J. Kinzel

doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.109732

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A generalized framework for inferring river bathymetry from image-derived velocity fields

Carl J. Legleiter·Paul J. Kinzel

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Abstract

Although established techniques for remote sensing of river bathymetry perform poorly in turbid water, image velocimetry can be effective under these conditions. This study describes a framework for mapping both of these attributes: Depths Inferred from Velocities Estimated by Remote Sensing, or DIVERS. The workflow involves linking image-derived velocities to depth via a flow resistance equation and invoking an optimization algorithm. We generalized an earlier formulation of DIVERS by: (1) using moving aircraft river velocimetry (MARV) to obtain a continuous, spatially extensive velocity field; (2) working within a channel-centered coordinate system; (3) allowing for local optimization of multiple parameters on a per-cross section basis; and (4) introducing a second objective function that can be used when discharge is not known. We also quantified the sensitivity of depth estimates to each parameter and input variable. MARV-based velocity estimates agreed closely with field measurements ( R 2 = 0.81 "> R 2 =0.81 ) and the use of DIVERS led to cross-sectional mean depths that were correlated with in situ observations ( R 2 = 0.75 "> R 2 =0.75 ). Errors in the input velocity field had the greatest impact on depth estimates, but the algorithm was not highly sensitive to initial parameter estimates when a known discharge was available to constrain the optimization. The DIVERS framework is predicated upon a number of simplifying assumptions — steady, uniform, one-dimensional flow and a strict, purely local proportionality between depth and velocity — that impose important limitations, but our results suggest that the approach can provide plausible, first-order estimates of river depths.

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Geomorphology Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 64.55114517971049° to 64.57302966431993° latitude; -149.11226566001395° to -149.04757845058606° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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BibTeX RIS

Carl J. Legleiter, Paul J. Kinzel. 2025. A generalized framework for inferring river bathymetry from image-derived velocity fields. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.109732

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