Topographic reconstruction: a geomorphic approach

The landscapes manufactured during disturbed-land reclamation are the foundations for all subsequent reclamation practices and the surfaces for future land uses. From a geomorphic perspective, the goal of topographic reconstruction is the creation of steady-state landscapes. As the reconstructed drainage basins, hillslopes, and stream channels approach steady-state configurations, adjustments by geomorphic processes after reclamation decrease. As the adjustments necessary to establish the steady state decrease, the prospect for reclamation success increases and the demand for post-reclamation site maintenance decreases. Digital elevation modeling software offers an opportunity to incorporate geomorphic principles into topographic reconstruction at the design stage of reclamation. As a first approximation, drainage-basin area, weighted mean slope, and drainage density for the pre-disturbance or undisturbed landscape are closely replicated in the reconstructed topography. The technical and economic feasibility of this approach is currently being tested.