Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)
Quarterly

Evaluation and analysis of hydromorphological conditions of the Qorichay River in Ardabil Province using the morphological quality index

Articles in Press

Document Type : Article extracted from thesis

Authors

Behrouz Nezafat Taklhe 1
Fariba Esfandyari 2
Raoof Mostafazadhe 3
mousa abedini 2

1 Phd student of geomorphology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Ardabil, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Member of Water Management Research Center, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract
Background and Objective: The natural flow regime of the river is a very important factor in determining the functions of aquatic ecosystems and their surroundings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hydrogeomorphological conditions of the Qorichai River in Ardabil Province using the MQI method.
Methodology: In order to achieve this goal, the Geomorphological Quality Index (MQI) method has been used. First, the river network is divided into homogeneous intervals (6 intervals). Then, related morphological indices such as bank stability, channel pattern, cross-section changes, sedimentation potential, and adaptation to the surrounding environment are calculated.
Results and findings: The results showed that the value of the geomorphological quality index in the studied intervals is between 0.77 and 0.27, among which the maximum coefficient is in interval 2 with a score of 0.77 in the good category, which indicates the greater dynamics of this interval compared to other intervals, and the minimum score is in interval 3 with a value of 0.27, which is in the very poor category. Therefore, it was concluded that the Qorichai River is in a poor condition from intervals 3 to 6 and does not have favorable conditions, but on the contrary, it has appropriate dynamics in intervals 1 and 2. Finally, it is suggested that practical measures be taken to protect the river in intervals with unfavorable quality.

Keywords

Hydromorphology
Morphological Quality Index
Qorichai River
Ardabil Province
Subjects
Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 October 2025

  • Receive Date 30 April 2025
  • Revise Date 21 July 2025
  • Accept Date 03 October 2025
  • First Publish Date 04 October 2025
  • Publish Date 04 October 2025

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