Geomorphological characteristics and formation factors of V-shaped valleys in East Asian mountains

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23501237
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Geography
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: OGUCHI Takashi 東京大学, 空間情報科学研究センター, 教授 (80221852)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): HAYAKAWA Yuichi 東京大学, 空間情報科学研究センター, 准教授 (70549443)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 谷 / 地形 / デジタル標高モデル / 地理情報システム / 斜面崩壊 / 土砂流出

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The most typical landform type in steep Japanese mountains is V-shaped valleys. However, their detailed geomorphological characteristics have rarely been investigated, probably because they occur very commonly. This study utilized digital elevation models and geographical information systems to quantitatively and statistically analyze cross sections of valleys including V-shaped ones. Based on the results, geomorphological characteristics of valleys and their controlling factors were discussed. In addition, valley-forming processes such as slope failure and sediment yields from valleys were investigated. The study areas included Japan, Taiwan, southeastern China, and the western Arabian Peninsula.

Free Research Field

地形学、地理情報科学