IAP-25-045
Characterisation and analysis of anthropogenically influenced fluvial catchments and geomorphology in the Philippines
The Philippines are one of the most densely populated and economically fastest growing regions in Southeast Asia, with anthropogenic influence on the landscape increasing through flood management policies and mining activities (Domingo et al 2025). Juxta positioning this is a region that faces threats from geologic (earthquakes, volcanic activity), geomorphic (landslides) and climatic (tropical monsoonal climate) factors. As a result, it is reported to be the world’s most disaster-prone country. Recent research has shown that the Philippines catchments are dynamic systems, with a range of geomorphic styles and stabilities documented (Boothroyd et al. 2025). The rivers within these dynamic and complex catchments receive a mixture of natural and anthropogenic signals that cascade through the river system, yet more work is needed to unravel and understand the complex interplay of natural and human influence on the catchments’ landscape and subsequent impacts.
This project aims to characterise and analyse anthropogenic impacts on tropical river catchments to improve natural hazard prediction and landscape management in a Philippines catchment.
Methodology
This project will utilise remote sensing of satellite datasets to characterise a Philippines catchment, sedimentary analysis of sediment samples taken from the catchment and use of landscape evolution models to understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on landscape evolution and sediment transmission within the selected catchment.
Project Timeline
Year 1
Literature review (chapter 2), site selection, data source (satellite imagery collation) and Characterisation of Philippines catchment (remote sensing) and subsequent paper writing.
Year 2
Field work with data collection and subsequent analysis/paper writing (paper 2). Development of landscape evolution model for anthropogenic factors.
Year 3
Landscape evolution model work; analysis and paper writing (paper 3).
Year 3.5
Thesis completion (discussion/conclusions chapters). PhD submission and examination.
Training
& Skills
• Training in Landscape Evolution modelling
• Sedimentary sample analysis
• Remote sensing skills in GIS
References & further reading
Boothroyd, R. J. et al. (2025) Big data show idiosyncratic patterns and rates of geomorphic river mobility. Nature Communications, 16(1), 3263. (doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58427-9).
Domingo, Justine Perry , Contreras, Antonio P., Tortajada, Cecilia , Faustino-Eslava, Decibel V., Hudson-Edwards, Karen A., Williams, Richard and Byrne, Patrick (2025) Catchment-based approach and formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining for sustainable mining management in the Philippines. Environmental Research Letters, 20(9), 091001. (doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/adf12f)
Wild, A. L., Braun, J., Whittaker, A. C., & Castelltort, S. (2025). Grain size dynamics using a new planform model–Part 1: GravelScape description and validation. Earth Surface Dynamics, 13(5), 875-887.
Wild, A. L., Braun, J., Whittaker, A. C., Prieur, M., & Castelltort, S. (2025). Grain size dynamics using a new planform model–Part 2: Determining the relative control of autogenic processes and subsidence. Earth Surface Dynamics, 13(5), 889-905.
Wild, A. L., Braun, J., Whittaker, A. C., & Castelltort, S. (2025). Grain size dynamics using a new planform model–Part 3: Stratigraphy and flexural foreland evolution. Earth Surface Dynamics, 13(5), 907-922.
