R_IC: A novel and versatile implementation of the index of connectivity in R. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martini, Lorenzo; Baggio, Tommaso; Torresani, Loris; Crema, Stefano; Cavalli, Marco
• Is Part Of: Environmental modelling & software. Volume 155(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Sediment connectivity -- Geomorphometry -- R_IC -- Open-source; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Digital computer simulation -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Computer Simulation -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Logiciels -- Périodiques; Écologie -- Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Simulation par ordinateur -- Périodiques; Logiciels -- Périodiques; Computer software; Digital computer simulation; Ecology -- Computer simulation; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70015118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2022.105446
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-8152

Abstract

Abstract: Sediment connectivity is the capability of a system to regulate the exchange of sediment in catchments. The Index of Connectivity (IC) has become a widely used tool, offering a practical way to assess sediment connectivity from hillslopes to downstream channels. We present a novel implementation of IC in R environment to expand the audience of users and encourage alternative applications of the index. The R_IC is an open-source and freely available tool composed by three codes. Standard R_IC runs the IC and it represents the core of the other variants. Custom R_IC offers a more flexible script, allowing the computation of alternative weighting factors and the possibility of running a further profile IC analysis. Batch R_IC performs batch processing of the index. For each code variant, a geomorphological application is presented to illustrate how the R_IC could be used in watershed management and practical issues related to sediment dynamics. Highlights: The R_IC is a new tool computing the Index of Connectivity in R environment. The tool allows standard, custom and batch computations of the index. Application of R_IC is demonstrated in mountain catchments.