Granular Hydrological Profiling and Morphological Impact Assessment for Flood Propagation Analysis: A Segment-Based Approach in the Muda River Basin

Abstract

Recurring floods in Malaysia's Muda River Basin pose significant risks to agriculture and water security. These challenges are often compounded by the limitations of traditional, lumped-basin hydrological models, which frequently overlook localized topographical variations and rapid morphological changes caused by anthropogenic activities. This study establishes a granular hydrological framework that systematically segments the river’s main trunk into 11 distinct operational sections. Using geospatial delineation and real-time flow monitoring, the research analyses slope gradients, water balances, and channel geometry across each segment. Results reveal substantial topographical disparities that dictate the basin's hydraulic behaviour. Upstream segments exhibit steep gradients (averaging 3.70%), which accelerate flow velocity and reduce residence time. In contrast, downstream reaches exhibit a 0% gradient, creating critical hydraulic bottlenecks susceptible to stagnation and tidal influence. Consequently, this study advocates for a strategic shift from generalized basin management to segment-specific operational strategies. Ultimately, this research validates the necessity of transitioning to dynamic, AI-integrated monitoring systems capable of adapting to the river's evolving physical anatomy.