Canonical correlation analysis in geomorphology with particular reference to drainage basin characteristics

Problems in the analysis and interpretation of the interaction patterns of drainage basin characteristics are outlined. The canonical correlation technique is suggested as capable of simplifying and producing a high level of generalization of the complex interaction patterns. The technique is described and employed in structuring the relationships between the morphometric and topologic attributes of a sample of 36 monolithologic third-order drainage basins in the Udi-Awgu cuesta, southeastern Nigeria, and the factors controlling their development. The canonical solution identifies three significant patterns of association between basin planimetric properties and their causative and deterministic factors. The texture of dissection is strongly associated with soil and vegetation characteristics while the stream network size and the stream bifurcation ratio are closely related to the stage of basin development and basin relief respectively. Some general problems of the canonical correlation analysis are outlined.