Density Calculation of the Hydro-network of the Arctic and Subarctic Plain Territories of the Russian Federation Based on a Digital Elevation Model Using GIS Technologies (Case Study of the Arkhangelsk Region)

The authors have developed a program for calculating the density of the channel network of the current relief using SAGA GIS modules to identify low-amplitude tectonic disturbances in the sedimentary cover of the platform arctic and subarctic territories of the Russian Federation. The program allows automating the calculation of the drainage network density using the sequential execution of standard GIS package modules. The calculation takes into account not only the drainage network, but also linear depressions of the relief, which makes it possible to identify structures with increased activity of current tectonics. The authors have calculated the density of the channel network of the representative territory (Arkhangelsk Region) with different “windows”. Comparison of the results with tectonic disturbances have shown a high degree of coincidence. The proposed methodology is applicable to the plain arctic and subarctic territories of the Russian Federation.