Investigation of hydrographic properties of Çoruh Basin with morphometric indices

In this study, it is aimed to determine the hydrographic characteristics of the Çoruh Basin with the help of morphometric indices based on digital elevation models (DEM) using geographic information systems (GIS). Hydrology analysis was applied to the Çoruh Basin based on the DEM data set, and the river drainage network and basin boundaries were determined according to the D8 flow model and Strahler method. Considering the tributaries, the basin was divided into eight different sub-basins. The morphometic indices selected for the determination of hydrographic features include linear, spatial and relief characteristics of the Coruh Basin. In this respect, the basin-wide bifurcation rate, stream length ratio, superficial flow length and texture ratio; in terms of area, basin area, basin environment, drainage density, stream frequency, basin shape, basin length ratio and gravelius index; As relief, basin relief, relief rate, ruggedness value, current collection time, hypsometric integral and hypsometric curve indices were applied. Morphometric indices were calculated and analyzed separately across the basin and sub-basins. In this study, the Transboundary Çoruh Basin was considered as a whole independent of the borders of the country and investigated within the determined sub-basins. This situation increases the originality of the study and is among the elements that make the study different. It is aimed that the findings obtained in the study will contribute to a clearer understanding of the basin hydrographic characteristics. In addition, it is foreseen that it can be a basic input source for different researchers and will contribute to an objective and holistic approach to possible problems that may occur in the basin by making it available to decision makers throughout the basin.