Identification of geoforms for the mapping of geosystems at the local level of the Zirahuén basin, Michoacán, Mexico, with the use of the TPI-BLC SAGA

Abstract

Geosystems constitute an ideal basis for planning, land use and environmental purposes. The geomorphological indicator and the delimitation of morphoelements are core aspects in the distinction of geosystems. The objective of this work was to individualize the geoforms of the Zirahuén basin with the TPI-BLC SAGA to later map the geosystems. The method consisted of generating landforms with the geomorphometric tool to classify the relief from the spatial patterns formed by the association of the polygons obtained semi-automatically. The main procedures were the synthesis of the geomorphological information of the area, the selection of the radii, the interpretation of the landforms and the geomorphological delimitation and classification. The relationship between the association of landforms and types of relief, and also the mapping of geoforms and geosystems was obtained. The effectiveness of the TPI-BLC based method for delimiting geoforms and thus for mapping geosystems was demonstrated. The smaller radius is related to lower level geosystems and the larger one to a representative surface of the geomorphological diversity of the area. Interpretation of the SAGA product on the basis of a solid geomorphological knowledge of the area is essential.