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<p>This study investigates the spatiotemporal fluvial dynamics of the Shire River in Chikwawa District, Malawi, over the period 1975–2023, with a focus on channel migration, width variation, sinuosity, meander curvature, and sediment budget changes. Using multi-temporal satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, 41 cross-sectional zones were analyzed across four time intervals (1975–1987, 1987–1999, 1999–2011, 2011–2023) to quantify morphodynamic responses and assess river planform evolution. The results reveal accelerated lateral channel migration, with several zones exhibiting annual rates exceeding 4&#xa0;m/year and strong linear relationships (R² &gt;0.90). Channel widening was pronounced, with mean width increasing from 4.75&#xa0;m to 83.64&#xa0;m (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Although overall sinuosity remained statistically stable, localized patterns indicate both meander amplification and channel straightening, reflecting dynamic adjustments in river planform. Bend curvature, measured via the Radius-to-Width ratio, remained consistently above 2.0, suggesting relative morphological stability in meander geometry. Sediment analysis indicates a shift from net erosion (– 181.55&#xa0;m²) in 1975–1987 to substantial net accretion (+ 2778.11&#xa0;m²) by 2011–2023, following a strong temporal trend (R² = 0.90). These morphodynamic changes are attributed to climate variability, extreme flooding, and anthropogenic influences, including land use changes and riverbank modifications. The findings highlight the critical role of fluvial dynamics in shaping river morphology and underscore the need for integrating these insights into data-driven river management, flood risk mitigation, and sustainable planning in the Lower Shire Valley, enhancing resilience of communities and infrastructure to Hydrometeorological hazards.</p>

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Remote sensing-based geospatial analysis of channel migration patterns in the lower Shire valley of the Shire river, Chikwawa district, Malawi

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月28日

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  • Japhet Khendlo,
  • Roodheer Beeharry,
  • Rajeshwar Goodary

摘要

This study investigates the spatiotemporal fluvial dynamics of the Shire River in Chikwawa District, Malawi, over the period 1975–2023, with a focus on channel migration, width variation, sinuosity, meander curvature, and sediment budget changes. Using multi-temporal satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, 41 cross-sectional zones were analyzed across four time intervals (1975–1987, 1987–1999, 1999–2011, 2011–2023) to quantify morphodynamic responses and assess river planform evolution. The results reveal accelerated lateral channel migration, with several zones exhibiting annual rates exceeding 4 m/year and strong linear relationships (R² >0.90). Channel widening was pronounced, with mean width increasing from 4.75 m to 83.64 m (p < 0.001). Although overall sinuosity remained statistically stable, localized patterns indicate both meander amplification and channel straightening, reflecting dynamic adjustments in river planform. Bend curvature, measured via the Radius-to-Width ratio, remained consistently above 2.0, suggesting relative morphological stability in meander geometry. Sediment analysis indicates a shift from net erosion (– 181.55 m²) in 1975–1987 to substantial net accretion (+ 2778.11 m²) by 2011–2023, following a strong temporal trend (R² = 0.90). These morphodynamic changes are attributed to climate variability, extreme flooding, and anthropogenic influences, including land use changes and riverbank modifications. The findings highlight the critical role of fluvial dynamics in shaping river morphology and underscore the need for integrating these insights into data-driven river management, flood risk mitigation, and sustainable planning in the Lower Shire Valley, enhancing resilience of communities and infrastructure to Hydrometeorological hazards.