Photos: L. Hess, L. Mertes

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Photos L. Hess, L. Mertes
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Complex Floodplain Topography from SRTM
How does water flow through this
floodplain? Which channels convey the most
water? Where does water reside the longest?
Photo P. Bates
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Conventional Idea of Floodplain Inundation
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Measurements of Floodplain Inundation
Localized, complex patterns of dh/dt Sharp dh/dt
aligned with many channels Purus flood wave is
apparent
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Flow Directions Estimated from Continuity
Localized, complex patterns of dh/dt with sharp
dh/dt aligned with many channels indicates flow
to floodplain arriving via channels and emptying
to one side. Purus flood wave supplies water.
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Measurements of Floodplain Inundation
Broad, simpler patterns of dh/dt Sharp dh/dt
aligned with fewer channels Amazon flood wave is
apparent
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Flow Directions Estimated from Continuity
Broad, simpler patterns of dh/dt with sharp dh/dt
aligned along fewer channels implies diffuse flow
across entire floodplain. Amazon flood wave
supplies water.
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Continuity in 2D

Q

h

Q
q


L

x

t

y
This allows an interpretation of the
interferometric SAR measurements in terms of the
changing discharge amount and flow direction.
Locations of greater dh/dt are receiving more
water than other locations. All locations are
receiving water because dh/dt is positive.
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Floodplain Flow Directions from Interferometric
SAR