Multiscale Sediment Connectivity Analysis in Clay-Dominated Lithology

Understanding sediment connectivity is critical for sustainable sediment management. This research focuses on clay-dominated areas of the Northern Apennines, characterized by high landslide activity and sedimentary disequilibrium due to anthropogenic and natural disturbances. These conditions create an ideal testing ground for evaluating sediment transfer processes and restoration strategies. 

The study employs a multiscale approach, integrating high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) at 5-meter resolution with detailed DEMs derived from drone-based LiDAR surveys (DJI Matrice 300 and L1 payload). These datasets enable detailed assessments of sediment transfer dynamics, with a focus on the influence of landslides on fluvial systems. 

The SedInConnect model is used to calculate structural sediment connectivity indices, identifying pathways and barriers that influence sediment transfer and highlighting critical areas for intervention. By combining SedInConnect’s spatial analysis of connectivity with LANDPLANER’s temporal modeling of sediment fluxes, the study provides a multidimensional understanding of sediment dynamics. This integration enables the identification of vulnerable areas and the design of targeted management interventions or mitigating erosion in high-risk zones. 

Drone-based LiDAR surveys represent a technological breakthrough, offering high temporal resolution and allowing frequent monitoring of topographic changes. These data are essential for detecting landslide-induced geomorphic changes and refining event-driven sediment dynamics models. By integrating field observations, remote sensing, and advanced modeling, the study delivers a robust and scalable framework for assessing sediment connectivity. 

These advancements offer transformative tools for understanding and managing sediment dynamics, contributing to the development of more resilient and sustainable fluvial systems in clay-dominated landscapes. This approach is particularly valuable for designing and implementing sediment management strategies to mitigate environmental and infrastructural impacts.