Dancing Rivers in the Amazon Basin, the science behind the movement of
rivers: A data visualization platform
Abstract
Through time rivers move, create erosion, deposit sediments and,
consequently, change their shape, however, these movements are different
for each river, since each one has specific characteristics and
dynamics. While small movements occur every day, it takes us months,
years, decades, or even centuries to notice those changes. As rivers are
the fundamental sources of life in many cities, towns, and communities,
and even determine geopolitical limits, it is more important than ever
to understand the dynamics that involve them. Dancing Rivers is a
visualization platform that characterizes river patterns and positions
the importance of scientific studies of the Amazonian rivers. It
includes and displays information about the research, analysis and
methodology developed to characterize planimetric morphodynamics
(spatial analysis with remote sensing) and altimetry features
(description of river bedforms and sediment transport) of major
Amazonian rivers: Marañon, Huallaga, Ucayali and the Amazon, with the
purpose of disseminating and getting a better understanding of their
physical dynamics, allowing stakeholders and researchers to make wise
decisions involving the water resource and territorial planning.