Characteristics of entrenched meanders in catchment landscapes: a case study of Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract The diversity of physiography on the island of Java reflects the existence of different landforms that have properties and characteristics in the interaction of river formation. Rivers respond to longitudinal profile deformation, one of which can form river meanders. Meander rivers in Java are formed on alluvial plains (free meanders) and in hilly areas (entrenched meanders). The meander river formation factor is the high flow volume, which can be seen from the morphometric conditions. This study aimed to determine the morphometric characteristics of water catchment in entrenched meander rivers on the island of Java, as well as its relationship with the geodynamic conditions. The method used is the identification of entrenched meander rivers on Java Island, and morphometric calculations are carried out; besides that, it is also associated with morphostructural conditions to determine the process of its formation. The results obtained that the catchment area of the entrenched meander river has a tendency for small volumes of water and relatively longer floods; this is different from the nature of the free meander. The morphostructure much controls the process of forming entrenched meander rivers.