A geological cum geomorphological framework of haryana and adjoining areas for landuse appraisal using landsat imagery

The state of Haryana and the adjoining areas are covered to a large extent by Quaternary sediments of alluvial/aeolian origin. An attempt has been made to study this area and classify the various geomorphic zones and a geological-cum geomorphological map of the area has been prepared based on MSS Landsat Imagery on 1:1 million. The geological set-up of the area comprises the sub-Himalayan system of rocks, mostly belonging to Siwalik Group which are exposed in the northeastern extremity and adjoining parts. In the south and southwestern corner of Haryana bordering the state of Rajastan, older rocks belonging to Delhi Supergroup are exposed. In between lies the vast stretch of Quaternary sediments of aliuvial/aeolian origin. The different geomorphic units recognised include 1) High structural hills, 2) Moderate structural cum denudational hills, 3) Low structural-cum-denudational hills, 4) Older and younger piedmont zones, 5) Flood plain, 6) Older Alluvial surface, 7)Aeolian zone, 8) Transitional zone & 9) Upland tract. Except the river Yamuna flowing along the eastern boundary of the State, the only other stream is the Ghagghar. A well-defined palaeo-channel of the Ghagghar is clearly picked up on the imagery. This river appears to be structure controlled and flows along well-defined tectonic lines. The southerly to southeasterly direction of flow of the river Yamuna indicates a basement high. The topographical low passing through Delhi-Rohtak-Hissar and Sirsa appears to coincide with basement high and the gradual shift in the drainage system indicates some neotectonic activity in the region. The most important ecological problem of the state of Harayana is the rapid desertification due to migration of dunal sands in the south and southwestern parts. Other environmental problems related to landuse are the salt efflorescence, waterlogging, unscientific stone quarrying, etc. It is felt that geomorphic maps generated should be utilised for regional land-use planning and restoration of the eco-balance in the State.     

Geomorphic evolution of a part of Middle Ganga Plain,Bihar: A case study using remote sensing data

An insight into the geomorphic evolution of any area can be obtained by detailed landform mapping. In the present study, an area in the Middle Ganga Plain has been selected for the study using mainly remote sensing data. Various fluvial landforms have been mapped and the changes in planform of rivers over approximately 50 years have been evaluated. Both fluvial processes and tectonic activities are considered to have collectively influenced the migration of the rivers in this region. Digital enhancements of Landsat MSS and TM data are found to be quite useful in identification and mapping of subtle fluvial palaeofeatures. The present study demonstrates the utility of remote sensing in examining the geomorphic evolution of the area.     

Geological and geomorphological studies of a part of Ganjam district,Orissa by remote sensing techniques

Geological and geomorphological mapping was carried out for a part of Ganjam district, Orissa through visual interpretation of IRS-IB LISS II flase colour composites. Various lithounits such as khondalites, charnockites and granites of Archaean age were mapped. The study area is traversed by two sets of vertical joints — one trending in NE-SW direction and the other in NW-SE direction. Three sets of lineaments in the study area trending in NE-SW, NW-SE and ENE-WSW suggest that the study area was subject to very high degree of deformation in the past. Major geomorphic units delineated are, Hills, Pediments, Valley Fills, New Flood Plains, Old Flood Plains, New Coastal Plains and Old Coastal Plains. Different landforms under each geomorphic unit are also mapped.     

Hydromorphology of a part of Azamgarh and Ghazipur districts,Uttar Pradesh

Hydrogeological studies in the Quaternary alluvial plain of a part of Azamgarh and Ghazipur districts, using air photos on scale 1:60,000 indicate the presence of five hydromorphic units namely, Alluvial upland, older alluvial plain of Mangat-Besu, older flood plain of Ganga—Gomti, youngest terrace of Ganga—Gomti and present flood plain of Ganga-Gomti. From the groundwater point of view older flood plain of Ganga—Gomti is the most promising hydromorphic unit. Abandoned channel of river Ganga offers favourable site for deep groundwater exploration with high potentiality. Chemical quality of shallow and deep aquifers is suitable for irrigation and other purposes.     

Demarcation of palaeochannels and integrated ground water resources mapping in parts of Hisar district,Haryana

Present study deals with the demarcation of palaeochannels and mapping of integrated water resources in parts of Hisar district, Haryana using Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1D) LISS-III Data of December 21, 2001. The landforms identified are Sand Dune, Dune Complex, Aeolian Plain, Fluvioaeolian plain, Palaeochannel and Younger Alluvial Plain formed by aeolian, fluvio-aeolian, and fluvial processes. These palaeochannels are first time demarcated in the area. The ground water prospects of various geomorphic units have been assessed. Depth to water level and ground water quality maps were digitized and put in to GIS format. Ground water prospects and quality maps were integrated and depth to water level information was draped on it to prepare final integrated ground water resources map. This map depicts ground water prospects, quality and depth together in a single map, which will help in and ground water exploration.     

Geomorphological units,their geohydrological characteristic and vertical electrical sounding response near Munger,Bihar

Geomorphological mapping through satellite remote sensing coupled with geophysical electrical resistivity survey (vertical electrical sounding) gives very useful information about spatial and depth-wise variation of aquifer’s material, respectively. The present study area broadly falls between the Ganga river and Kharagpur hills (a northern limit of Chotanagpur plateau). These hills are highly folded and consist of quartzites and phyllites of Precambrian age group In the study area, cover material above the basement is the product of weathering, colluvial and fluvial processes of different ages. Geomorphologically, study area has been categorised into different classes i.e. denudo-structural hill, buried pediment, younger alluvial plain, recent flood plain and older alluvial plain. Broadly these classes represent the general ground-water prospects, but in detail, possibility of variation in ground-water prospects cannot be ruled out. In alluvial plain (younger/older) main target for ground-water exploration is sandy horizon. Similarly in buried pediment the main target is coarse-grained weathered material with fractured basement, not the total general thickness of cover material on the basement. In the present paper, authors have tried to analyse the spatial distribution of geomorphic classes and depth-wise variation of aquifer material within the same class for determining the target horizon for further detailed investigation, using remote sensing and electrical sounding.     

Late quaternary geomorphic evolution of Yamuna-Sutlej interfluve: Significance of terminal fan

Haryana-Punjab plain (Yamuna-Sutlej interfluve) is part of the Indo-Gangetic foreland basin and makes the eastern part of the Indus River system. It is characterized by southwestern regional slope and is made up of sediments derived from the Himalayan front. The southern part of the Haryana-Punjab plain has a narrow northeast sloping surface, made up of sediments derived from the Rajasthan craton, making the peripheral bulge of the basin. The area of interaction of these two opposing slopes is marked by a rather flat region of poor drainage with a number of water bodies. This interactive zone of the two slopes has a constricted belt of westerly outlet merging in the Indus alluvial plain. The excessive sediments derived from the Himalayan front formed mega-fans, which in Late Pleistocene, extended down to 200 m altitude close to the southern limit of Haryana-Punjab plain. There are geomorphic evidence of punctuations in reduction in fan building activity during Late Quaternary with terminations at 225 and 300 m altitude, prominently seen in satellite imagery and Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The Haryana-Punjab plain also exhibits undulations with prominent highgrounds around Bhatinda, Hissar, and Sonipat-Jind. During the Late Quaternary, the streams of Yamuna-Sutlej interfluve region, viz., Dangri (sometimes referred as Tangri), Ghaggar-Saraswati, Markanda and Chautang, drastically reduced their carrying capacity due to reduced monsoon activity and neotectonic block movements. These streams abort within their terminal fans. Yamuna River is confined within its valley having prominent flood plain (T₀) and well-developed Newer Alluvial plain (T₁); as such it has not been a part of Indus system, at least during Holocene.     

Geomorphic analysis of upper Assam Plains and adjoining areas for hydrocarbon exploration

‘Terrain Analysis’ of the the Assam Plains and adjoining areas of the Naga foothills and Mikir hills plateau has been carried out using LANDSAT images and cartographic maps, essentially as an aid for planning seismic surveys for hydrocarbon exploration. The terrain is divisible into five geomorphic zones of distinct characters and processes of evolution. They are: i) Brahmaputra flood plains, ii) Assam Alluvial Plains, iii) Naga Piedmont plains, iv) Mikir Denudational hills, and v) Naga Structural Hills. A number of geomorphic anomalies have been identified in these zones. Maximum number of the anomalies occur in the piedmont zone which is considered to be most prospective since suitable hydrocarbon generation and entrapment conditions exist in that part of the basin. There dominant trends of lineaments striking ENE-WSW NW-SE and E-W are observed in the area in that order of extent and frequency. The last mentioned appears to be youngest which has off-setted even the Naga Thrust. Five distinct planation surfaces/summit levels have been identified in the Mikir as well as Naga hills. They are correlatable with the known unconformities at the top of basement, top of Barails, top of Girujan, top of Namsang and top of Dihing Formations. The subsurface lithology expected during shot hole drilling for seismic surveys has been predicted considering the process of evolution of each zone.     

Geomorphological map of Bist Doab Tract,Punjab from Landsat imagery analysis

The Bist Doab Tract of Punjab is an agriculturaly important region lying between the two rivers viz: Beas and Satluj on two sides and the Siwaliks range on the third side. Landsat imagery of bands 5,7 and false colour composite covering this tract were analysed for the texture, shape, size and pattern to study the different geomorphic units developed under different geological periods and environments. The study has enabled to identify the following land form zones (i) Structural hill-Siwaliks-Z1 (ii) Table land-Z2 (iii) Upper piedmont-Z3 (iv) Lower piedmont-Z4 (v) Alluvial plain-Z5 (vi) Sandy and Saline tract-Z6 (vii) Older flood plain-Z7 (viii) Active flood plain-Z8. The resultant geomorphological map of the area has been prepared on 1: 1M scale and as such the applicability of the remotely sensed data has been found to be of immense use in the quick identification of regional geomorphic setting of the area.     

Deposition and genesis of alluvial soils in the Indo-Gangetic Alluvial Plain Muzaffarnagar (U.P.)

The area under study forms a part of the Indo-Gangetic Alluvial Plain, in Muzaffar Nagar District (Uttar Pradesh). To understand the relation of stratigraphy and geogenesis on one hand, and landscape and pedogensis on the other hand, the study was undertaken through a 40 km. long E-W. Cross-section of the area, with augering upto a depth of five metres or more, Aerial photographs (1:25,000) were used for delineating the major land forms and selection of cross-section and observations sites. Care was taken to cover all the main physiographic units occuring in the survey area. Four distinct depositional phases in Upper Alluvial Plain and two in Lower Alluvial Plain by Ganges, while first braided and then meandering have been recognized. Soil were classified according to Soil Taxonomy (1975), being Inceptisols and Alfisols in the Upper Alluvial Plain and Entisols in the Lower Alluvial Plain.     

Geological remote sensing in parts of subarnarekha — baitarani basin,Eastern India

Landsat imagery have been interpreted visually and under Additive Colour Viewer to interpret the regional geology and geomorphology in parts of Subarnarekha-Baitarani basin. The area lies south of Singhbhum shear zone and represents Precamrain shield. Important Simlipal ultrabasic volcanic complex of Orissa is included in the area. Although detailed map of the area is available, yet an attempt has been made to interpret the imagery for evaluating the results provided in comparison to the existing maps. Delineation of main lithological groups is possible. Having some data from the existing maps, lithoiogical boundary delineation of Mica Schist-Phyllite-Quartzite, Granites and Gneisses, Dhanjori Lava, Anorthosite-Gabbro Complex and Dolerite dykes, all of Precambrian age, has been done. Laterite and Quaternary sediments are also picked up. Lineament mapping has been carried out from imagery, which is difficult to map in the field. N--S and NNW-SSE lineament system is very prominent in Simlipal complex whereas in other parts NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW trends are common. The major fault plane running NNE-SSW in the area is responsible for the present-day configuration of Subarnarekha river. Identification of different geomorphological units is perhaps best done on imagery. Several geomorphic units like structural Hill, Denudational Hill, Pediment, Buried Pediment, Lateritic Clay Plain, Laterite upland, Terrace Plain etc have been mapped. Valley fills are wellpicked up from imagery. Hydrogeological potentiality of the different geologic and geomorphic units have been evaluated qualitatively. Ground water occurrence, movement and potentiality are mainly controlled by structural, geological and geomorphological set-up of the area. Buried Pediment, Laterite upland, Laterite clay plain and alluvial fills are the potential zones from the view point of ground water occurrences. Comparative study of the different Landsat bands and band-filter combinations under Additive Colour Viewer has been undertaken to find out the enhancement capability in delineating features. It is found that small scale geological and geomorphological maps can be prepared from Landsat imagery.     

Morphostratigraphy and fan morphology of doon valley

In the present study analysis of Landsat MSS, TM and SPOT imagery and digital analysis of IRS LISS-1 data of Doon Valley was carried out. Various geomorphic features were identified and classified, morphostratigraphy of the area has been established. Main geomorphic units of the area are Mussoorie Hill Range (Denudational), Siwalik Hills (Structural), Remnant Hills (Residual). Siwalik Piedmont. Doon Piedmont, River Terraces and Flood Plain. Three large fan lobes are identified on Doon Piedmont deposits, viz., Western fan lobe, Central fan lobe and Eastern fan lobe. Average slope of these three fan lobes are 2°21′, 2°3′, and 1°24′ for the western, central and eastern fan lobes respectively. Western and central fan lobes have been affected by neotectonic activity which is reflected in transverse profiles.     

Surface and subsurface evidence of neotectonics and the aquifer disposition in central gangetic alluvial terrain of Kanpur-Unnao region in Uttar Pradesh,India

Both surface and subsurface evidences exist along the longitudinal section of the Ganga river in Kanpur-Unnao region of Central Ganga Plain indicating the effect of tectonic subsidence. While the surface evidences are discontinuous chain of high uplands with escarpments on the southern bank of the Ganga river and the wide flood plain on the northern side, the subsurface evidences are in terms of sudden deepending of the granitic basement towards north followed by deposition of coarse sand and gravel forming thick aquifers in the close vicinity of present channel of the Ganga river. The petrological examination of the aquifer material also indicates that the material has been derived from a deformation zone.     

Identification and delineation of saline soils using aerial photographs in Yamuna Alluvial plain,Haryana

Salinity is creating great problems in the Yamuna Alluvial Plain. State Government is taking steps for reclaiming these lands to increase agricultural production. Impeded drainage, excess canal irrigation, topography parent material, shallow depth and bad quality of ground water are the main factors which are responsible for the genesis of saline soils in the alluvial plains of Haryana. On the arial photographs tonal differences on account of salt concentration in the soil are clearly seen. These differences are aslo associated with physiography and soil conditions which can be easily delineated. The information thus; collected can be used for reclamation of saline soils.     

Identification of palaeochannels around Cauvery river near Talakad, Karnataka using remote sensing data

Visual interpretation of satellite images could help in the identification of present and past landforms. An attempt has been made to identify the palaeochannels of the Cauvery river in Karnataka state through visual interpretation of IRS-1C, LISS III False Colour Composites (FCC). In order to assess their inter-relationship with other hydrogeomorphic elements, various geomorphic units have been mapped. Major geomorphic units like alluvial plain, pediplain, valley fill. residual hill, ridges, meander scar, channel bars and water bodies have been demarcated. Considering the hydrogeomorphic setup of the palaeochannels. it is inferred that the disposition of palaeochannels of the area are controlled by the geology and structure and the prevailing geomorphic process.     

Confirmation of soil physiographic units through soil mineralogy studies in Yamuna alluvial plain,India

A confirmatory study of soil physiographic units identified through aerial photo interpretation technique, in Yamuna alluvial plain, Haryana is presented here. The area under study is part of Yamuna alluvial plain in Sonepat district, Haryana. Shanwal and Malik (1980) studied and mapped this area (semi-detailed) on 1:25,000 scale through areial photo interpretation technique. The soil profile samples of major soil physiographic units of the area were fractionated into sand, silt and clay. Detail mineralagical studies were carried out through electron microscopic and X-ray diffractometer studies in order to know their nature and origin of the parent material. X-ray diffraction data shows that mineralogy of different fractions (Sand, silt and clay) of soils samples, of different physiographic units were similar except Lavee. In this area mica is the dominant day mineral in the soils followed by Kaolinite, chlorite, vermiculite and smectite in decreasing order of their abundances. The occurance of fibrous minerals in coarse clay and silt fraction of soil samples of Lavee physiographic unit is the interesting feature of this area. The presence of fibrous minerals indicates that this overlain material designated as natural Levee in this area is not the alluvium brought down by the river Yamuna but is aeolian material flown from adjoining deseret of Rajasthan and deposited as stabilized sand dune. The fibrous minerals have been reported earlier in the desert of Rajasthan.     

Channel pattern transformation of the Burhi‐Gandak river,Bihar, India: A study based on multidata sets

The Burhi‐Gandak river is one of the major tributaries of the Ganga River in the middle Ganga basin. The river is i known to have an oscillatory character and has changed its course in Recent times. In the present study, a variety of remote sensing data combined with surface and subsurface data have been used to delineate the fluvial palaeofeatures of this river. The palaeofeatures of the Burhi‐Gandak indicate that the river has shifted from N to S over a distance of 30 km. Further, its is observed that Burhi‐Gandak river had a larger channel width and higher discharge on earlier times and was very active. On detailed examination, a past link between the now northerly flowing Baghmati and Burhi‐Gandak rivers is detected. Based on the above features, three distinct stages of migration of the river have been identified and a summary of fluvial palaeohistory is presented.     

The solani-ganga interfluve; an application of remote sensing technique on soil resource mapping for agricultural planning

The area of the Solani-Ganga interfluve, which lies between 29°16′N to 30°15′N latitude and 77°45′E to 78°15′E longitude was undertaken for the present study using LANDSAT imagery of band 5 and 7 and the false colour composite on the scale of 1:250,000 in combination with aerial photographs (1:25,000). Major geomorphic units, e.g., Siwalik Hills. Solani-upper alluvial plain, Solani lower alluvial plain, ‘Tarai’ and Ganga alluvial plain were delineated on LANDSAT and colour composite. Sample areas selected from LANDSAT were studied on aerial photographs in details and soil physiography relationship was developed. The soils on Siwalik hills are classified as Orthents. The soils of the pledmont plain and the recent terraces of Solani river and its tributaries were Psamments, Orthents, Fluvents, Orchrepts and Aquepts. The soils of upper alluvial tract of the Ganga plain is mostly Ustalfs with inclusion of Aqualfs, while the strong hydromorphic Tarai tract consists of partly Aquepts, Ochrepts (cultivated) and partly of Aquolls, Ustolls and Ustalfs (under forest). The present study aims to pin point the nature of soil relief relationship with the help of LANDSAT imagery and aerial photographs and diagnose the intensity of the depletion of soil resources (by prevailing factors like swift run off of biykderfed torrents, fast-flow of ground water, soil creep, mass wasting) through field studies and then treat them with ecological dose of soil conservation. For agronomic development of the region, it is worked out that the present crop-combination and crop-rotation systems should be slightly modified according to its ecosystem to prevent the depletion of soil nutrients.     

Landslide risk analysis between Giri and Tons Rivers in Himachal Himalaya (India)

The area around Sataun in the Sirmur district of Himachal Pradesh, India (falling between the rivers Giri and Tons; both tributaries of the Yamuna River) was studied for landslide vulnerability on behalf of the inhabitants. The study was made using extensive remote sensing data (satellite and airborne). It is well supported by field evidence, demographic and infrastructural details and aided by Geographic Information System (GIS) based techniques. Field observations testify that slope, aspect, geology, tectonic planes, drainage, and land use all influence landslides in the region. These parameters were taken into consideration using the statistical approach of landslide hazard zonation. Using the census data of 1991, vulnerability of the populace to the landslide hazard was accessed. As most of the infrastructure in the region is concentrated around population centres, population data alone was used for vulnerability studies.     

Multi-sensor Space-Borne Earth Observation Data for Characterizing Fluvial-Geomorphic Provinces: A Case Study from Kosi River,India

The dynamism of geomorphic provinces in fluvial systems present considerable ambiguities in mapping by remote sensing. This necessitates use of multiple satellite data to characterize such depositional provinces. We use, an integrated dataset to characterize the geomorphic provinces (e.g. active flood plain, older food plain, fan etc.) of the Kosi River (Bihar), India. This is done using contrast in spectral signatures derived from multispectral bands (of IRS-P6 LISS III), radiant temperature (from ETM+) and radar-roughness (from radar brightness image RISAT-1). ASTER DEM has been used in deriving topographic profiles. The optical imagery, enables regional characterization through direct tonal changes (e.g. active flood plain is brighter than older flood plain). The radiant temperatures show variations across provinces. Geomorphic transitions are represented by topographic breaks. Radar backscatter imagery, show differences in radar-return from different sub-provinces. Observations made using specific sensor characterize each provinces and is supplementary/complimentary to the parameter(s) from other sensors.