Understanding the landforms and landscapes of northern Sweden to inspire geomorphic landform design in mine rehabilitation and closure

Authors: Sánchez Donoso, R; Carrillo Muñoz, R; Polvi, L; Baida, M; Holst, F; Martín Duque, JF

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_80

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Sánchez Donoso, R, Carrillo Muñoz, R, Polvi, L, Baida, M, Holst, F & Martín Duque, JF 2025, 'Understanding the landforms and landscapes of northern Sweden to inspire geomorphic landform design in mine rehabilitation and closure', in S Knutsson, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2025: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-12, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_80

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Abstract:
Geomorphic-based solutions for land rehabilitation in areas transformed by human activities such as mining, civil engineering, or urbanisation focus on designing and constructing landforms and landscapes that replicate the morphology and dynamics of natural systems. The GeoFluv method is the most widely used approach for geomorphic landform design, combining the design of stream channels and upland hillslope areas into stable landforms. Its widespread application in various climatic environments has led users to consider how it could be better adapted to replicate the geomorphic features and dynamics found in these different climate regions. The objective of this study is to assess the characteristics of drainage networks in the Norrbotten region (northern Sweden) and provide recommendations applicable to geomorphic landform design projects in mine sites within such climatic environments. Using a combination of remote sensing tools and fieldwork, 67 firstorder channels and four drainage networks developed on quaternary moraine and glacial till deposits were identified around Kiruna, Abisko and Svappavaara. The identified channels had low-flow to moderateflow, with varying degrees of sinuosity and a clearly identifiable stream bed. Channel morphometric parameters such as the width/depth ratio, channel reach length, drainage density, distance from ridgeline to channel’s head, and sinuosity were measured using remote sensing tools and mobile Global Positioning System (GPS) stations. A compilation of morphometric characteristics of the measured channels is presented in this study. The results show that glacial legacy landforms and materials strongly influence channel geometry by constraining fluvial processes. Morphometric characteristics of the channels such as the width/depth ratio and overland flow path length show a clear deviation compared with the same characteristics in channels dominated by fluvial processes. Suggestions that can be incorporated in geomorphic landform design software are presented according to the observed results in order to adapt design outcomes for the northern Sweden climate and achieve more stable landforms.

Keywords: geomorphic restoration, geomorphic landform design, GeoFluv, cold environments, mine closure

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