Morphometric analysis of the catchment of the Leshan River, Kosovo

This study examines the hydromorphological characteristics of the Leshan River Basin in southern Kosovo, selected for its diverse topographic and hydrological features. As the largest tributary of the Toplluha River, the basin displays steep gradients in the east and gentle slopes in the west, influencing runoff distribution and erosion potential. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery, the study quantifies the basin’s physical and hydrological attributes. Over twenty-five morphometric parameters were calculated and grouped into areal, linear, and relief categories. The Leshan River system reaches up to the fifth stream order, with a mean bifurcation ratio of 3.07 and a drainage density of 1.67 km/km², reflecting a moderate balance between infiltration and runoff. The low elongation ratio (0.45) and high relief (1,396 m) indicate a structurally controlled, high-energy fluvial environment. Seasonal flow variability—driven by snowmelt and rainfall—and the strong correlation between groundwater levels and terrain elevation underscore the dynamic interaction between surface and subsurface hydrology. These findings provide a spatially grounded understanding of watershed behavior and support more targeted water management strategies in similar mountainous and tectonically active regions.