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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/40439| Title: | Automated characterization of ridge-swale patterns along the Mississippi River |
| Authors: | Downard, Alicia D. Semmens, Stephen N. Robbins, Bryant A. |
| Keywords: | Geomorphology Ridge and swale topography Mississippi River Flood control Artificial intelligence Backward erosion piping Sand boils Levees--Erosion Geology Alluvial plains Alluvial fans Alluvium Digital elevation models Machine learning |
| Publisher: | Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/GSL TR-21-13 |
| Abstract: | The orientation of constructed levee embankments relative to alluvial swales is a useful measure for identifying regions susceptible to backward erosion piping (BEP). This research was conducted to create an automated, efficient process to classify patterns and orientations of swales within the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) to support levee risk assessments. Two machine learning algorithms are used to train the classification models: a convolutional neural network and a U-net. The resulting workflow can identify linear topographic features but is unable to reliably differentiate swales from other features, such as the levee structure and riverbanks. Further tuning of training data or manual identification of regions of interest could yield significantly better results. The workflow also provides an orientation to each linear feature to support subsequent analyses of position relative to levee alignments. While the individual models fall short of immediate applicability, the procedure provides a feasible, automated scheme to assist in swale classification and characterization within mature alluvial valley systems similar to LMV. |
| Description: | Technical Report |
| Gov't Doc #: | ERDC/GSL TR-21-13 |
| Rights: | Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited |
| URI: | https://hdl.handle.net/11681/40439 http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/40439 |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ERDC-GSL TR-21-13.pdf | 3.67 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |