SAGA-GIS Module Library Documentation (v2.3.0)

Module Melton Ruggedness Number

Melton ruggedness number (MNR) is a simple flow accumulation related index, calculated as difference between maximum and minimum elevation in catchment area divided by square root of catchment area size. The calculation is performed for each grid cell, therefore minimum elevation is same as elevation at cell's position. Due to the discrete character of a single maximum elevation, flow calculation is simply done with Deterministic 8.

References:
Marchi, L. & Fontana, G.D. (2005): GIS morphometric indicators for the analysis of sediment dynamics in mountain basins. Environ. Geol. 48:218-228, DOI 10.1007/s00254-005-1292-4.

Melton M.A. (1965): The geomorphic and paleoclimatic significance of alluvial deposits in Southern Arizona. J. Geol. 73:1-38.

O'Callaghan, J.F. / Mark, D.M. (1984): The extraction of drainage networks from digital elevation data. Computer Vision, Graphics and Image Processing 28:323-344.

Parameters

 NameTypeIdentifierDescriptionConstraints
InputElevationGrid (input)DEM--
OutputCatchment AreaGrid (output)AREA--
Maximum HeightGrid (output)ZMAX--
Melton Ruggedness NumberGrid (output)MRN--
OptionsGrid systemGrid systemPARAMETERS_GRID_SYSTEMGrid system-

Command-line

Usage: saga_cmd ta_hydrology 23 [-DEM <str>] [-AREA <str>] [-ZMAX <str>] [-MRN <str>]
  -DEM:<str> 	Elevation
	Grid (input)
  -AREA:<str>	Catchment Area
	Grid (output)
  -ZMAX:<str>	Maximum Height
	Grid (output)
  -MRN:<str> 	Melton Ruggedness Number
	Grid (output)