Morphometric and Multivariate Analysis of Geomorphological and Multi-Hazard Dynamics in the La Sabana River Basin, Acapulco–Mexico

Coastal basins are systems highly susceptible to flooding and erosion, processes that intensify during extreme cyclonic events. This study aims to develop an integrated physical–geographic framework to characterize the geomorphological and multi-hazard dynamics of the La Sabana River basin in Acapulco, Guerrero, in southeastern Mexico. The methodology integrates the analysis of natural and anthropogenic landscape components, 19 morphometric indicators, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) at the sub-basin scale. The results reveal a high drainage network density (3.8–5.4 km/km2) and short concentration times (0.98–2.75 h), indicating a rapid hydrological response and high susceptibility to flash floods and active erosion. Six critical sub-basins with concentration times ≤ 1.5 h have been identified, spatially coinciding with areas of high anthropogenic exposure. The hypsometric index values (0.04–0.388) indicate advanced geomorphological evolution in most sub-basins. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 65.8% of the total variance in the first two components: component 1 (52.7%) is linked to basin size and drainage network organization, and component 2 (13.1%) is associated with basin shape. The findings of this research have provided a spatially explicit, robust, and replicable framework that helps strengthen risk governance and guide land-use planning in tropical coastal basins exposed to hydrometeorological hazards.