Study of alluvial and Talus Fans in the Garhwal Himalaya by remote sensing technique

Investigations were carried out in the Garhwal, with ranges of Lesser and Outer Himalaya. Alluvial and Talus Fans in this area are quite widespread and are generally coalescing in nature, covering linear zones almost parallel to the lesser and outer Himalyan Ranges. These fans and their deposits have been mapped and identified on the basis of the study of Landsat imagery and aerial photographs. They appear to be spreading outwordly from the escarpments often with divergent pattern of drainage. In all seven such zones of coalescing alluvial and talus fans have been identified. Zone 1 appear to be alluvial plain in front of the outer Himalayan Siwalik ranges. Zones 2, 3 and 4 may be infillings between the ranges. Whereas, zones 5, 6 and 7 may be pediplains within the Lesser Himalayan ranges. Based on the degree of their dissection, the fans in this area seems to be chronologically younger successively towards the outer parts of Himalaya.     

Use of geomorphological units to improve drainage network extraction from a DEM : Comparison between automated extraction and photointerpretation methods in the Carraixet catchment (Valencia, Spain)

Drainage networks are one of the main elements characterizing basins, and network topology and geometry form the basis of many hydrological and geomorphological models (eg Geomorphological Unitary Hydrograph). The identification and manual delineation of channel networks from maps or aerial photographs requires much time and effort. In the last two decades, algorithms and procedures for automated extraction of drainage networks from digital elevation data have been developed and implemented in many specialized software applications. Nevertheless, automatically delineated channel networks do not always show close agreement with manually delineated networks. This paper describes a comparative analysis between a drainage network automatically extracted from a gridded digital elevation model, and the drainage network delineated manually from stereographic pairs of aerial photographs. The analysis showed that the automatic extraction technique may be adequate for catchment headwaters, but is inappropriate in the middle and lower basins, especially for alluvial fans and calcareous platforms. The paper suggests improving the automatic extraction technique by adapting it to operate with different parameters for each of the geomorphological units within the catchment.     

Morphology and evolution of an alluvial fan-a case study of Kalanutala,Prakasam district,A.P.

Alluvial fans are the dominant landforms of the semi-aird and arid environments of the world. Studies on alluvial fans elsewhere suggest that there is a close relationship between the morphology of the fan and the drainage basin area; lithology, mean slope, vegetation, climatic and tectonic environments of the source area. An alluvial fan at Kalanutala village, in Prakasam district of Anthra Pradesh, has been studied in detail in order to analyse it's morphology and arrive at its geomorphic evolution. From a study of fan morphology and it's composition, it has been arrived, at the conclusion that there is a relationship between the fan and it's drainage basin (Kompayasela). Further, this study reveals that the apparent segmentation of the fan is not because of tectonic movement but due to the underlying topography of pediment. The study of fan morphology and its materials suggests that the initial deposition of fan took place in a humid climate, but gradually changed to the present arid climate.     

Integrated Use of LANDSAT 8, ALOS-PALSAR,SRTM DEM and Ground GPR Data in Delineating Different Segments of Alluvial Fan System in Mahananda and Tista Rivers,West Bengal,India

In this study, visible near infrared, shortwave infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 satellite sensor, two polarisation channel of L band ALOS-PALASAR sensor, SRTM-DEM derived digital elevation data were processed to delineate different geomorphic components of alluvial fans of Tista-Mahanada fan complex. We found image composite of independent components, principal components of Landsat 8 bands were effective in delineating proximal and distal fan segments. Fused images of Landsat 8 and ALOS data were used for enhancing incised distributaries and paleochannels. Field data on depositional sequence of fans, were used to substantiate the image based delineation. Topographic breaks along selected longitudinal profiles (identified with the changes in land use and drainage pattern) of digital elevation data were conjugately analysed using Landsat false colour composites. GPR survey along selected transect highlights the vertical dislocation in the recently deposited sequences of alluvial fan regime indicative of post depositional disturbances.     

利用SIR-C极化数据提取地面参数

本文根据简化的积分公式模型（ＩＥＭ）,分析了面散射过程中后向散射系数与地面参数之间的关系。利用航天飞机成像雷达（ＳＩＲ－Ｃ）获取极化的雷达图像,提取新疆北部地区冲扇的散射系数以及介电常数（湿度）与粗糙度。由图像获得的地面参数数据,可以用于分布冲积扇成因、时代以及其次的关系。     

Groundwater study in the Piedmont zone of Mechi Mahananda interfluve in Darjiling district,West Bengal using remote sensing techniques

The Mechi-Mahananda interfluve is a transitional area between the hills and the plains and exhibits a wide range of topographical variations. The drainage system of the area has a close relationship with lithology and landforms. The rivers originating in the hills attain a braiding character and have well developed alluvial fans. Piedmont plain covers a large area and has high ground water potential. The river terraces and flood plains also have high potentialities of ground water targeting. Fluctuation of water table is very high in the upper piedmont plain dependent upon the proximity to the drainage lines.     

Photogeological mapping in parts of Cuddapah basin Kurnool and Prakasam Districts of Andhra Pradesh

An area of 2500 sq. Km. has been covered by photogeological mapping with selected field checks which forms a part of Cuddapah basin in the Kumool and Prakasam Districts of A.P. The rocks exposed in the area belong to the Cumbum and Bairankonda Formations of Cuddapah Super Group. They occur more or less as an alternating sequence. These formations are bound on the east by Dharawar gneisses and on the west by Nandyal Shales. The Bairankonda Formation is predominantly arenaceous with quartzite as the main member, being easily identifiable in the aerial photographs by its characteristic topography, coarse drainage, light grey tone etc. The Cumbum Formation is mainly argillaceous with slate/phyllite as the main member, intercalated with minor quartzite band and is expressed on the photographs in dark tone with dendritic to sub-parellel drainage and occurs relatively at lower elevations, mostly in plains. The Dharwar (Archaean) gneisses underlying the vast plains in the east are recognised by the sandy nature of soil and by the thrusted contact of this unit with the Bairankondas. The Nandyal Shales occupying the large cultivated area in west have a darker tone and a dendritic drainage pattern. They are Upper Kurnool in age. All the litho-units have undergone pre-Kurnool deformation resulting into plunging/doubly plunging antiforms and synforms trending NNE-SSW and a few shear zones and faults. Due to severe deformation a very prominant foliation has developed in the Cumbum unit. Groove lineation has also been developed in the hinge portions of major folds. The magmatic activity in these formations has been witnessed with the emplacement of reibeckite syenite and Kimberlite plugs and veins. Geomorphologically the area may be divided into two prominant units namely (i) Denudational landforms comprising (a) hills, ridges, inselbergs, bornhardts and hogbacks on Bairankonda quartzites and phyllites (b) pediment and dissected pediment on Cumbum Shales and Dharwar gneisses and (ii) Depositional landforms such as (a) alluvial fans and colluvial fans (b) alluvial valley fills along river courses and (c) sand dunes in Dharwar gneisses.     

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.     

Geomorphology and land use pattern of visakhapatnam urban - industrial area

Geomorphology and land use pattern of Visakhapatnam urban – industrial area have been studied using IRS IB and SPOT data. The geomorphic units under structural landforms, fluvial landforms and coastal landforms were identified and appropriate field confirmations were made. The geomorphic units such as inselbergs/residual hills, rolling plains, colluvial plains, fractures, piedmont fans, pediments were identified under structural landforms. The units wind gap, paleo channels, gully land, alluvial plain and natural levee were identified under fluvial landforms. The coastal landforms include sea cave, sea stack, red sediments, beach sands and marshy area. Study of the land use pattern reveals the land use under various categories of residential, planned and un planned, agricultural land, waste land and others. The data will have high relevance and usefulness for urban, industrial and ground water resource evaluations in the context of rapid urbanization and industrialization.     

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.     

Satellite remote sensing in soil resource inventory of Dibrugarh district (part), Assam

Remote sensing techniques have been employed to identify and delineate soils in a part of Dibrugarh district of Assam. Landsat-4 MSS data in the form of FCC (4, 5, 7) were interpreted visually for physiographic analysis in conjunction with Survey of India topographic maps. Ground data were translated in terms of soils using composite interpretation map as base. The abstraction level attained was Families of Soil Taxonomy. Four major physiographic units were delineated, viz. active flood plain, recent alluvial plain, gently undulating old alluvial plain and gently sloping to undulating piedmont plain. Dominant soils identified are: coarse loamy Aeric Fluvaquents and fine loamy Typic Udifluvents in active flood plain; fine Typic Haplaquepts and fine loamy Aquic Dystrochrepts in recent alluvial plain; fine loamy Umbric Dystrochrepts and fine Ultic Hapludalfs in old alluvial plain; coarse loamy Typic Udorthents and fine Mollic Hapludalfs in piedmont plain.     

基于多光谱影像和DEM的泥石流堆积扇识别研究——以白龙江流域武都段为例

选取中国泥石流多发区白龙江流域武都段作为研究区,在对该区域泥石流堆积扇的形态特征和堆积范围进行实地调绘的基础上,利用高分辨率影像(SPOT)进行目视解译,获得研究区部分泥石流堆积扇和非泥石流堆积区的分布范围,将其作为已知样本区。利用该区域多光谱遥感影像(ASTER)和数字高程模型(DEM),提取包含波段比和主分量的几十种特征指标。通过运用方差分析和聚类分析等方法对各指标进行分析计算,选取对区别泥石流堆积扇最具显著意义的指标进行输入,进而采用基于像元的分类方法识别泥石流堆积扇。得到如下结论:SPOT与ASTER融合影像的波段比、主分量指标可以有效地突出土壤岩石中的矿物成分,对泥石流堆积扇的识别具有显著意义;利用筛选出的遥感指标和地形指标作为输入,进行监督分类识别泥石流堆积扇,能够有效地将遥感指标和地形指标相结合,提取的堆积扇覆盖范围与实际情况较为接近。     

利用ETM+影像自动提取河流冲积扇的方法

本文在分析冲积扇与其他地物光谱特征差异的基础上,针对Landsat ETM+影像中红光波段与近红外波段的比值能够增大冲积扇与其他地物间差异的特征及地形阴影在蓝绿光波段亮度值降低速率差异较大的特征,基于比值运算、差值运算,构建了冲积扇指数;并利用该模型阈值自动选取算法将冲积扇信息从其他地物及阴影中分离出来,然后根据数学形态学膨胀滤波算法进行空洞填充。经过实验表明,该方法能够高效自动地提取华南山区的冲积扇信息。     

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.     

Land subsidence characteristics of Jakarta between 1997 and 2005, as estimated using GPS surveys

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia with a population of about 12 million people, inhabiting an area of about 625 km². It is well known that several areas in Jakarta are subsiding rapidly. There are four different types of land subsidence that can be expected to occur in the Jakarta basin, namely: subsidence due to groundwater extraction, subsidence induced by the load of constructions (i.e., settlement of high compressibility soil), subsidence caused by natural consolidation of alluvial soil and tectonic subsidence. In addition to the leveling method, Global Positioning System (GPS) survey methods have been used to study land subsidence in Jakarta. In this paper, we characterize subsidence in the Jakarta basin using eight episodic/campaign GPS surveys between 1997 and 2005. The estimated subsidence rates are 1–10 cm/year. The observed subsidence rates in several locations show a positive correlation with known abstraction volumes of groundwater extraction. These basin-wide series of GPS measurements show how this type of measurement can play an important role in multiple public policy decision making in this rapidly growing area.     

On the approximation of external gravitational potential with closed systems of (trial) functions

Summary Let S be the (regular) boundary-surface of an exterior regionE _e in Euclidean space ℜ³ (for instance: sphere, ellipsoid, geoid, earth's surface). Denote by {φ_n} a countable, linearly independent system of trial functions (e.g., solid spherical harmonics or certain singularity functions) which are harmonic in some domain containingE _e ∪ S. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the restrictions {ϕ_n} of the functions {φ_n} onS form a closed system in the spaceC (S), i.e. any functionf, defined and continuous onS, can be approximated uniformly by a linear combination of the functions ϕ_n. Consequences of this result are versions of Runge and Keldysh-Lavrentiev theorems adapted to the chosen system {φ_n} and the mathematical justification of the use of trial functions in numerical (especially: collocational) procedures.     

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.     

Linear drift and periodic variations observed in long time series of polar motion

 Two long time series were analysed: the C01 series of the International Earth Rotation Service and the pole series obtained by re-analysis of the classical astronomical observations using the HIPPARCOS reference frame. The linear drift of the pole was determined to be 3.31 ± 0.05 milliarcseconds/year towards 76.1 ± 0.80° west longitude. For the least-squares fit the a priori correlations between simultaneous pole coordinates x _p , y _p were taken into account, and the weighting function was calculated by estimating empirical variance components. The decadal variations of the pole path were investigated by Fourier and wavelet analysis. Using sliding windows, the periods and amplitudes of the Chandler wobble and annual wobble were determined. Typical periods in the variable Chandler wobble and annual wobble parameters were obtained from wavelet analyses. Received: 21 January 2000 / Accepted: 28 August 2000     

Distance predicting functions and applied location-allocation models.

Distances between demand points and potential sites for implementing facilities are essential inputs to location-allocation models. Computing actual road distances for a given problem can be quite burdensome since it involves digitalizing a network, while approximating these distances by l _p -norms, using for instance a geographical information system, is much easier. We may then wonder how sensitive the solutions of a location-allocation model are to the choice of a particular metric. In this paper, simulations are performed on a lattice of 225 points using the k-median problem. Systematic changes in p and in the orientation of the orthogonal reference axes are used. Results suggest that the solutions of the k-median are rather insensitive to the specification of the l _p -norm. Received: 12 October 1998/Accepted: 17 September 1999