Stein Index Classification for Streams National 20150513

Abstract

The dataset was derived by the Bioregional Assessment Programme. The parent dataset(s) is identified in the Lineage field in this metadata statement. The processes undertaken to produce this derived dataset are described in the History field in this metadata statement.

A raster of landform built using the Stein Index as described in the 'INTERIM CLASSIFICATION OF AQUATIC SYSTEMS IN THE MURRAY-DARLING BASIN' page 23-24.

This is used to classify streams according to whether it is upland or lowland relative to the surrounding terrain and high energy or low energy depending on landscape features.

Purpose

To provide a simple classification of streams for regions where there was limited information

Dataset History

The final definitions for landform, in terms of the Stein index are:

Lowland: mrVBF > 3;

Low Energy Upland: mrVBF 2.5;

High Energy Upland: mrVBF < 2.5 AND mrRTF =2.5 AND mrVBF4, transitional 3.5 to 4). A visual inspection of other areas in New South Wales did not support changing thresholds at this time, but a more rigorous calibration and validation process has not yet been carried out. The New South Wales River Styles data set based on site observations is likely to be a valuable contributor to this process.

GIS application

The landform attribute was developed using the 3 sec mrVBF and mrRTF from CSIRO (Table 10)

Lowland: MrVBF_int > 3;

Low Energy Upland: MrVBF_int 2;Lowland

High Energy Upland: MrVBF_int <= 2 AND MrRTF_int <= 2;

Transitional: MrVBF_int =3. (there are no values in MrVBF between 3 and 3.5, so this works)

Dataset Citation

Bioregional Assessment Programme (2015) Stein Index Classification for Streams National 20150513. Bioregional Assessment Derived Dataset. Viewed 27 November 2017, http://data.bioregionalassessments.gov.au/dataset/8915d14d-7c22-404a-ba11-07f0c25fd177.

Dataset Ancestors

• Derived From Multi-resolution Valley Bottom Flatness MrVBF at three second resolution CSIRO 20000211

• Derived From Multi-resolution Ridge Top Flatness at 3 second resolution CSIRO 20000211