Morphometric and Multivariate Analysis of Geomorphological and Multi-Hazard Dynamics in the La Sabana River Basin, Acapulco – Mexico

Coastal basins are highly dynamic systems susceptible to flooding and erosion, processes intensified by extreme cyclonic events. This study aims to develop a physical-geographic framework for analyzing the multi-hazard geomorphological dynamics of the La Sabana River basin in southern Mexico. The methodology integrates the analysis of the basin's natural and anthropogenic components with morphometric evaluation and multivariate analysis (PCA) at the sub-basin level. The results show a highly efficient drainage network (3.8-5.4 km/km²) and short concentration times (0.98–2.75), which favor a rapid hydrological response and high susceptibility to flooding and erosion. PCA explained 65.8% of the total variance, identifying basin size, drainage organization, and system shape as dominant controls. Critical sub-basins with rapid hydrological response (Tc ≤ 1.5 h) were identified, coinciding with areas of high anthropogenic exposure. It is concluded that integrating morphometric indices through multivariate approaches provides a robust, replicable basis for risk governance and territorial planning in coastal basins.