A study of spatial structure of conditions of river network formation

Catchments of first-order streams in the Chita River basin in Zabaikal’skii krai are studied in order to reveal the spatial structure of conditions influencing the river network formation. The river network construction was carried out using the TAS GIS (Terrain Analysis System Geographic Information System) software and SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission) digital terrain model. The comparison of the TAS river network with the river network of topographic maps enables to reveal the distribution of conditions of river network formation for the territory of the basin as well as the type and degree of their impact on the surface runoff. The obtained data enabled to group the basin streams according to these conditions and to reveal favorable and unfavorable areas for the first-order stream initiation.