地貌形态指标揭示的北天山乌鲁木齐河流域新构造活动特征

如何从现有的地貌形态定量提取构造活动信息是构造地貌研究的重要内容。乌鲁木齐河是天山北麓发育的主要河流之一,构造上可分为天山主脉、后峡断陷、南山隆起和山前坳陷等4个构造分区。本文运用河流坡降指标SL和Hack剖面以及标准化坡降指标SL/K等地貌计量指标,结合地层岩性等信息,探讨了乌鲁木齐河流域4个构造分区的新构造活动特征。结果显示,乌鲁木齐河流域干流全河段Hack剖面形态上凸,同时均衡坡降指标值（K）较高（K=531）,表明其目前构造仍较为活跃;天山主脉和南山隆起分区干流河段Hack剖面曲线形态表现为上凸,显示分区内部处于相对强烈的构造隆升状态;后峡分区除局部因规模较大的支流汇入导致干流河段SL/K异常偏高外,其整体Hack剖面曲线形态趋于下凹,表明其内部构造活动性较弱;在南山隆起和山前坳陷过渡带,受准噶尔南缘断裂带的影响,干流河段的Hack剖面曲线形态表现为"上凸下直",表明这部分河段目前尚处在向新均衡剖面调整的阶段;乌鲁木齐河流域干流河段SL/K在多处出现了异常高值,研究表明这和构造活动、岩性改变、支流汇入有关。     

A quantitative analysis for geomorphic indices of longitudinal river profile: a case study of the Choushui River,Central Taiwan

Due to the plate movement is considerably slow, the human history record is too short to register landscape change for such a long time scale. However, longitudinal river profile can display watershed landscape characteristics. Therefore, this paper applies a quantitative analysis of geomorphic indices coupled with some mathematical models for the Choushui River and its six tributaries, including the gradient index and slope–area relationship. The abnormally high SL and SL/k values indicated that a decreasing trend from lower- to mid-stream areas and south Lishan fault was higher than north Lishan fault on the upstream areas, and the result of slope–area relationship also indicated that the regression line of the upper and lower steam exhibit an obvious right-shift nearby Lishan fault, could be explained by geodynamic models of active deformation in Taiwan area. This study also found that the abnormally high values of SL/k were affected by river and fault intersecting to form a high angle or perpendicular and the abnormally low values of SL/k were affected by river along with a fault or form a low angle, but the channel of Junda River along with Lishan fault is opposite. Based on quantitative results of these geomorphology indices, this study suggests that the important factor influencing landscape of the Choushui River watershed is tectonic uplift.     

祁连山内部门源盆地地貌特征及构造意义

祁连山位于青藏高原东北部边缘,是青藏高原向北东方向挤压扩展的前缘部位,其典型流域地貌特征记录了该地区的新构造活动和地貌发育演化过程。门源盆地是位于祁连山中段内部的一个典型的山间盆地,其发育模式和地貌特征与构造活动有着直接的关系。为探究门源盆地北缘断裂及其不同区段构造活动性的差异及其成因,文中基于30m分辨率数字高程模型（DEM）数据,采用ArcGIS空间分析技术,提取了盆地北缘横穿山体的15条河道的面积−高程积分（HI）和积分曲线（HC）,再利用克里金插值法得到HI值在盆地空间上的分布特征。结果表明,以门源盆地北缘断裂走向转折处——老虎沟为界,其西侧河道流域的HI值整体较高,东侧HI值普遍较低;结合野外活动构造调查结果,发现老虎沟东侧断裂已经挤压扩展到盆地内部,并发育一系列的活动逆断层−褶皱带,由此推断断裂走向变化及北东向断裂导致了流域HI值的分布差异。同时,盆地内部青石嘴镇附近出现一处HI高值异常,结合大地电磁探测结果推测盆地内部存在一条隐伏断层。另外,多数河道在主断裂通过上游一定位置时出现了河长坡降指数（SL）峰值波动,说明SL波动位置与断裂通过河道位置具有良好的相关性,即构造活动可以对SL产生显著影响;而处于岩性变化位置附近的波动异常,可能表明局部河段的岩性变化对SL也有一定影响。综合分析表明,门源盆地北缘东、西段的地貌发育具有显著差异,主要受该区域活动构造即门源盆地北缘断裂的控制和影响,上述地貌参数是较为敏感的构造活动性评价指标。     

A quantitative analysis of relative tectonic activity classes of Kali river basin, southwest coast of India

The Kali river basin of the southwest coast of India has been investigated to examine the influence of tectonic activity through an analysis of the geomorphic indices that were computed using geographical information system (GIS). Five geomorphic indices—stream length–gradient index, asymmetry factor, hypsometric integral, valley floor width-to-height ratio, and elongation ratio—were used for identification of evidences of tectonic activity. The results obtained from these indices were combined to develop an index of relative tectonic activity classes using GIS. The average of the five measured geomorphic indices was used to evaluate the distribution of relative tectonic activity in the study area. About 18 % of the study area (～726 km²) belongs to class?1; 37 % (～1506 km²) to class?2; and 44 % (～1,762 km²) to class 3. Sub-basins found at the Western Ghat region, relative tectonic activity classes show low and medium values which indicate the higher degree of tectonic activity compared to the upland plateau regions.     

Geomorphic characteristics of a bedrock river inferred from drainage quantification,longitudinal profile,knickzone identification and concavity analysis: a DEM-based study

An examination of river channels has ability to provide substantial information regarding the geomorphic characteristics, control of lithology, tectonic uplift and geomorphic evolution during the geological past of an area. In this paper, a detailed study of geomorphic and structural investigation has been carried out for Pravara basin, Maharashtra, with the help of 90-m resolution SRTM DEM and geospatial techniques. Drainage network analysis performed in this paper demonstrates the general geomorphic characteristics, while the analysis of longitudinal profile synthesises lithological control over Pravara basin. Pravara is a 6th order drainage basin, encompassing an area of 2637 km². Bifurcation ratio reveals low to moderate structural control. Due to the hard rock lithology, the drainage density and stream frequency are low, and it indicates higher permeability in the sub-surface layers. The shape parameters denote that Pravara is highly elongated and it is easier to control floods in this basin. Relief parameters show very steep slope and higher vulnerability to the slope failure in some areas. Upstream of Pravara river has shown that series of breaks and knickzones indicate active erosion and acute lithological control on the channel. Major breaks are observed only in the main channel whereas in two major tributaries, no such breaks found, instead these tributaries are characterised by several knickzones which indicate regional variation in the lithological physiognomies. Different lithological stages on knickpoint and channel incision substantiate rejuvenation of Pravara river in several phases during geological past. The geospatial methodology carried out in this study can be pragmatic elsewhere around this world to recognise the geomorphic appearances and lithological control of a drainage basin.     

Appraisal of relative tectonic activity along the Kazerun Fault Zone,Zagros Mountains,Iran: insight from spatial analysis of geomorphic indices

This paper investigates the impact of active tectonics on the geomorphic processes and landscape evolution along the Kazerun Fault Zone (KFZ) in the Zagros Mountains of Iran using spatial analysis of geomorphic indices. We document how topography and morphology are influenced by active tectonic deformation. The Zagros fold–thrust belt is an area of active crustal shortening where northwest–southeast oriented fault‐related folds become younger from north to south and from southeast to northwest. This temporal and spatial evolution of the belt was tested using geomorphic indices of active tectonics that include mountain front sinuosity index (Smf), the valley width/height ratio (Vf), drainage basin asymmetry factor, hypsometric integral, drainage basin shape ratio and mean axial slope of the channel. Change in the geomorphic indices is the result of active fold growth and change in the uplift rate. Decreasing Smf and Vf values from north (Smf = 2.01; Vf = 0.5) to south (Smf = 1.12; Vf = 0.2) and from southeast (Smf = 1.84; Vf = 0.8) to northwest (Smf = 1.54; Vf = 0.1) points to a migration of the active crustal shortening towards W–SW. The combined geomorphic (field evidences) and morphometric data (quantitative analysis of geomorphic indices) provide evidence of relative variation in the tectonic activity along the Kazerun Fault Zone and related landforms. The utilization of geomorphic parameters with comparison to the field observations exhibits change in relative tectonic activities mostly corresponding to the change in mechanism of the prominent fault zones in the study area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

青藏高原周边地区河流分形特征与地貌、构造活动耦合关系

青藏高原周边地区的地貌特征与形成演化机制一直是科学界研究的热点。选择青藏高原周边典型地区河流分形特征、地貌特征及构造活动性进行研究,发现喜马拉雅断裂带、龙门山断裂带和阿尔金断裂带控制的区域构造活动性强烈,历史地震记录频繁,大震较多,河流形态与地貌演化特征也非常相似,河流纵剖面变化很快,长波长下凹型,河流坡降比大,地形起伏度大,河流形态变化简单,河流分维值低;青藏高原东北缘构造活动性不强烈,历史地震记录偏低,大震极少,河流纵剖面变化缓慢,近似长波长微振幅上凸型,河流坡降比小,地形起伏度较小,河流形态错综复杂、分维值高;青藏高原东南缘,构造活动性较强烈,历史地震记录频繁,大震较多,但由于该区域平均多年侵蚀速率比较低,同时河流下切深度大,河流纵剖面变化缓慢,也是近似长波长微振幅上凸型,河流坡降比小,河网发育较成熟,河网分维值较高。通过对比发现,降水量的变化对该区域侵蚀速率的影响远小于构造活动性的作用,在分析河网形态特征时可以不考虑降水量空间变化的影响。     

贺兰山东麓地貌形态指数的空间特征及其新构造意义

贺兰山东麓晚更新世以来经历了多次构造活动,前人利用多种方法曾对贺兰山东麓进行了构造活动性研究。本研究基于DEM数据,提取了贺兰山东麓12条河流Hack剖面与河长坡降指标（SL）,并提取面积-高程积分（HI）和河流陡峭指数（k_sn）进行对比验证,探究贺兰山东麓红果子沟至紫花沟地区河流发育与构造活动性情况。结果表明：贺兰山东麓河流Hack剖面大多呈现凸-凹形态,均衡坡降指标（K）整体南部大于北部;而且大多数河流河长坡降指标（SL）参数有多处异常峰值,主要受区域构造活动性的控制。沿贺兰山东麓断裂带标准化河长坡降指标（SLK）异常峰值的较高值的空间分布自北向南逐渐降低。面积-高程积分结果显示贺兰山东麓地区大部分处于壮年期,部分区域处于老年期。面积-高程积分值在区域南部高值较多,体现了较为强烈的构造活动性。陡峭指数的最大峰值位于河流3,自北向南峰值呈下降趋势。从空间分布上,区域南部河流河段陡峭指数整体偏高且较为集中,呈现断裂带西部靠近山体区域高于断裂带东部地区,南部整体高于北部区域的特征。总体上,面积-高程积分与陡峭指数分别与Hack剖面均衡坡降指标、SLK参数的结果具有相对的一致性。贺兰山东麓河流受到断裂构造活动性影响,且构造活动性呈现南部大于北部的特征。

     

Morphometric analysis of Suketi river basin,Himachal Himalaya,India

Suketi river basin is located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It encompasses a central inter-montane valley and surrounding mountainous terrain in the Lower Himachal Himalaya. Morphometric analysis of the Suketi river basin was carried out to study its drainage characteristics and overall groundwater resource potential. The entire Suketi river basin has been divided into five sub-basins based on the catchment areas of Suketi trunk stream and its major tributaries. Quantitative assessment of each sub-basin was carried out for its linear, areal, and relief aspects. The analysis reveals that the drainage network of the entire Suketi river basin constitutes a 7th order basin. Out of five sub-basins, Kansa khad sub-basin (KKSB), Gangli khad sub-basin (GKSB) and Ratti khad sub-basin (RKSB) are 5th order sub-basins. The Dadour khad sub-basin (DKSB) is 6th order sub-basin, while Suketi trunk stream sub-basin (STSSB) is a 7th order sub-basin. The entire drainage basin area reflects late youth to early mature stage of development of the fluvial geomorphic cycle, which is dominated by rain and snow fed lower order streams. It has low stream frequency (Fs) and moderate drainage density (Dd) of 2.69 km/km ². Bifurcation ratios (Rb) of various stream orders indicate that streams up to 3rd order are surging through highly dissected mountainous terrain, which facilitates high overland flow and less recharge into the sub-surface resulting in low groundwater potential in the zones of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order streams of the Suketi river basin. The circulatory ratio (Rc) of 0.65 and elongation ratio (Re) of 0.80 show elongated nature of the Suketi river basin, while infiltration number (If) of 10.66 indicates dominance of relief features and low groundwater potential in the high altitude mountainous terrain. The asymmetry factor (Af) of Suketi river basin indicates that the palaeo-tectonic tilting, at drainage basin scale, was towards the downstream right side of the drainage basin. The slope map of Suketi river basin has been classified into three main zones, which delineate the runoff zone in the mountains, recharge zone in the transition zone between mountains and valley plane, and discharge zone in the plane areas of Balh valley.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987111001265

Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush（NW Pakistan and NE Afghanistan） result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition processes.Active tectonics in this region have greatly influenced the drainage system and geomorphic expressions.The study area is a junction of three important mountain ranges （Hindu Kush-Karakorum-Himalayas） and is thus an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the relative tectonic activity resulting from the India-Eurasia collision.We evaluate active tectonics using DEM derived drainage network and geomorphic indices hypsometric integral（HI）,stream-length gradient （SL）.fractal dimension（FD）.basin asymmetry factor（AF）.basin shape index（B_s）,valley floor width to valley height ratio（Vf） and mountain front sinuosity(S_mf). The results obtained from these indices were combined to yield an index of relative active tectonics （IRAT） using CIS.The average of the seven measured geomorphic indices was used to evaluate the distribution of relative tectonic activity in the study area.We defined four classes to define the degree of relative tectonic activity:class 1 very high（1.0≤IRAT 1.3）;class 2-high（1.3≥IRAT<1.3）:class 3—moderate（1.5≥IRAT<1.8）;and class 4—low（l.8≥1RAT）.In view of the results.we conclude that this combinetl approach allows the identification of the highly deformed areas related to active tectonics.Landsat imagery and held observations also evidence the presence of active tectonics based on the dellected streams,deformed landforms.active mountain fronts and triangular facets.The indicative values of IRAT are consistent with the areas of known relative uplift rates,landforms and geology.     

DEM and GIS analysis of sub-watersheds to evaluate relative tectonic activity. A case study of the North–south axis (Central Tunisia)

Morphotectonic analysis using geomorphic indexes has been developed as a basic tool to identify recent tectonic deformation in specific areas.This study was undertaken to develop an integrated quantitative geomorphic analysis of tectonic activity in the North–south axis, central of Tunisia. Different geomorphic indexes, including elongation ratio (E), drainage basin asymmetry (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), Valley floor width-to-height ratio (Vf), mountain front sinuosity (Smf), and stream length gradient index (SL) were calculated. The relationships between the calculated indexes, their correlations and their significance (based on p-values) were also investigated.. Using the hierarchical cluster analysis based on Ward’s method, these indexes were classified into three classes describing the relative, different effect of tectonics in each fault segment. The higher deformation is concentrated in the NE-SW Boudinar fault, followed, in order of decreasing activity, by Goubrar, Gouleb, and Majoura normal faults. This pattern of variation in the relative degree of tectonic activity is consistent with field evidence.     

基于DEM的白龙江流域构造活动定量分析

白龙江流域地处青藏高原向黄土高原过渡的斜坡急剧变形带,是我国泥石流、滑坡灾害最为严重的地区之一,由于流域受多条断裂带的影响,内部相对构造活动强度存在差异,因此对该地区构造活动程度的研究显得尤为重要。本文基于SRTM3-DEM数据,利用GIS技术提取了白龙江流域33个子流域的面积高程积分（HI）、河流阶梯指数（SL）、流域盆地不对称度（AF）、流域形状指数（BS）、谷底宽度与谷肩高度比（VF）等5种地貌参数。然后对5种地貌参数进行分级,求取5种地貌参数分级值的算术平均值,作为评价研究区的构造活动程度（Iat）,分为弱、中等、较强和强四类。研究结果表明,白龙江流域中上游地区构造活动程度为中等至强（Iat≤2）,这与该地区受青藏高原隆升效应及断裂带走滑作用相一致。下游地区构造活动程度相对弱（Iat>2）,地貌差异不明显,这与该地区主要断裂带第四纪以来活动性弱有关。研究结果与区域的地质背景相一致,该研究对利用地貌参数进行流域的活动构造量化分析具有借鉴意义。     

Development of Earthquake Event Detection Technique Based on STA/LTA Algorithm for Seismic Alert System

The drainage basin of the Kalyani river, a tributary of Gomati river has been mapped and delineated using Survey of India toposheets (1:50,000 scale) and remote sensing satellite data. The digitization, slope map preparation and statistical calculations have been carried out with the help of geographical information system (Arc GIS 10). Kalyani a fifth order river exhibits meandering behavior having 2.45 sinuosity index (SI). The Kalyani river basin has about 1235 km²area with NW-SE sloping trend. The total number of first, second, third, and fourth order streams are 373, 71, 12 and 2 respectively, showing dominance of first order streams in the basin. The mean bifurcation ratio (Rb) of the entire basin is 4.8, which indicates that the drainage is not much influenced by geological structures and exhibits dendritic drainage pattern. Relief ratio (Rr) indicates low to medium surface run-off, and low stream power for erosion. The analysis of river bank height ‘r’ (escarpment) and longitudinal profile of the river closely reveals neotectonic activity at some locations in the basin. To prepare a comprehensive watershed development and management plan, it is important to understand the topography and drainage characteristics of the region.     

九龙江北溪流域河流特征及其构造指示意义

本文利用DEM数据,运用基岩河道侵蚀模型提取九龙江北溪流域的河流下凹程度、陡峭指数和蜿蜒度等地貌指数研究北溪流域地质构造活动特点。通过对流域地貌参数的分析发现九龙江北溪流域陡峭指数存在自NW向SE递减的规律,陡峭指数和蜿蜒度有很好的对应关系.排除气候因素和基岩性质等影响因子,认为河道陡峭指数的分布特征揭示了九龙江北溪流域的地壳抬升速率自西北向东南递减的分布特征,此认识与前人采用精密水准资料计算地壳垂直运动速率结果相一致。     

Morphotectonic Appraisal of Yamuna River Basin in Headwater Region: A Relative Active Tectonics Purview

In the present paper integrated appraisals of landform evolution and their geomorphic features, drainage networks across the upper part of Yamuna river basin have been attempted by using various geomorphic indices such as watershed, drainage density (D), drainage texture, stream-gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (HI), drainage basin asymmetry (AF), mountain front sinuosity (Smf), sinuosity index (SI), valley floor height and width ratio (Vf) and data of historical earthquakes in characterizing the basin in view of relative index of active tectonics (RIAT) on DEM in geographic information systems (GIS) environment to assess the influence of recent tectonics on geomorphologic growth of the basin.The substantiated RIAT classes through some field observations and corroborated by recent seismicity reveal the recent activation of Yamuna tear faults in the basin with delineation of four RIAT classes such as class-1 (inactive 9.8% of the area), class-2 (low active; 16.40% of the area), class-3 (moderately active; 42.38% of the area) and class-4 (very active; 31.62%). The results suggest that the Himalayan frontal thrust (HFT) and Yamuna tear (YT) located in the basin is morphogenic in nature and got activated several times as evidenced by number of seismic activities in the basin and adjoining regions. The incision, and sharp turning of rivers, crenulations and warping of cross beddings/laminations and silt/clay beds and lenses, megascopic and mesoscopic faulting in sediment sequences suggest a very active nature of the HFT and YT till date in association with three prolific microseismogenic weak zones These active discontinuities appear to support the formation and development of different deformational features in sediment sequences which may be indirectly related to subduction and underthrusting of Indian plate under Eurasian plate below the Himalayan mountain chain.     

涪江上游流域盆地地貌特征及构造指示意义

对涪江上游流域盆地地貌特征及成因进行研究,有助于揭示青藏高原东缘晚新生代以来新构造活动的差异性。本文以ArcGIS水文分析模块为技术平台,在研究区域内系统提取涪江上游流域盆地地表水系网络和涪江干流东西两侧36个亚流域盆地,并对亚流域盆地面积、周长、水系总长度、水系分支比、流域盆地演化阶段进行统计分析,结果表明,涪江干流河道东西两侧典型地貌参数存在显著差异。通过对该区域构造运动、岩石抗侵蚀能力、降水特征等几方面因素与河流下切过程相关性的分析可知,降水条件和岩性差异并不是涪江上游亚流域盆地不对称发育的主要影响因素,该区域断裂活动导致的地形不对称分布格局及岩层破碎程度的差异是涪江上游流域地貌差异演化的主控因素。另外,涪江上游干流展布呈现出两个特征：涪江干流河道因雪山断裂、北川-映秀断裂、彭县-灌县断裂的右旋（或左旋）走滑作用而沿断裂发生同步弯曲;涪江干流河道在北川-映秀断裂北侧由西北-东南流向转变为近正南流向,究其原因,主要是龙门山断裂带3条主干断裂的区域性右旋走滑活动驱动该区域物质产生相应右旋运动,从而使长期处于断层右旋作用控制之下的涪江干流河道发生转向。

     

Morphometrical analysis of two tropical mountain river basins of contrasting environmental settings, the southern Western Ghats, India

The morphometric analysis of river basins represents a simple procedure to describe hydrologic and geomorphic processes operating on a basin scale. A morphometric analysis was carried out to evaluate the drainage characteristics of two adjoining, mountain river basins of the southern Western Ghats, India, Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) in the western slopes and Pambar River Basin (PRB) in the eastern slopes. The basins, forming a part of the Proterozoic, high-grade, Southern Granulite Terrain of the Peninsular India, are carved out of a terrain dominantly made of granite- and hornblende-biotite gneisses. The Western Ghats, forming the basin divide, significantly influences the regional climate (i.e., humid climate in MRB, while semi-arid in PRB). The Survey of India topographic maps (1:50,000) and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission digital elevation data were used as the base for delineation and analysis. Both river basins are of 6th order and comparable in basin geometry. The drainage patterns and linear alignment of the drainage networks suggest the influence of structural elements. The Rb of either basins failed to highlight the structural controls on drainage organization, which might be a result of the elongated basin shape. The irregular trends in Rb between various stream orders suggest the influence of geology and relief on drainage branching. The Dd values designate the basins as moderate- to well-drained with lower infiltration rates. The overall increasing trend of Rl between successive stream orders suggests a geomorphic maturity of either basins and confirmed by the characteristic I _hyp values. The Re values imply an elongate shape for both MRB and PRB and subsequently lower vulnerability to flash floods and hence, easier flood management. The relatively higher Rr of PRB is an indicative of comparatively steeply sloping terrain and consequently higher intensity of erosion processes. Further, the derivatives of digital elevation data (slope, aspect, topographic wetness index, and stream power index), showing significant differences between MRB and PRB, are useful in soil conservation plans. The study highlighted the variation in morphometric parameters with respect to the dissimilarities in topography and climate.     

Implications of shearing on drainage network development in Achankovil Shear Zone,South India: insights from DEM-based geomorphic indices and longitudinal profile analysis

The Achankovil Shear Zone (AKSZ) in the Southern Granulite Terrain separates the Trivandrum block from the Madurai block. Various geomorphic indices and longitudinal profiles of the river systems in the AKSZ, viz., Achankovil river basin (ARB) and Kallada river basin (KRB), were derived from SRTM DEM to decipher the influence of shearing and deformation on the regional drainage evolution. Although hypsometric analysis of the basins implies old stage of geomorphic evolution, horizontal shifts in the channel plan form are restricted (except in the Tertiary sediments), suggesting the structural controls over the drainage organization, which are also supported by the high topographic sinuosity. The transverse topographic symmetry (T) vectors indicate a southwesterly migration for the upstream channel segments of both ARB and KRB, while the northwesterly migration of the downstream courses can be correlated with the dextral shearing of the AKSZ. Even though the shear zone is considered to be the block boundary between the charnockite of Madurai and khondalite of Trivandrum blocks, the moderate to low profile concavity (θ) values are probably the result of suppressing the effect of the block–boundary interactions by shearing and denudation. The study proposes a model for evolution of drainage network in the AKSZ, where the mainstream of the basins was initially developed along NE–SW direction, and later the upstream and midstream segments were reoriented to the NW–SE trend as a result of intense shearing. Overall, the present study emphasizes the significance of geomorphic indices and longitudinal profile analysis to understand the role of shearing and deformation on drainage evolution in transcrustal shear zones.     

Application of drainage basin morphotectonic analysis for assessment of tectonic activities over two regional structures of the northeast India

The analysis of drainage basin morphotectonic indices is applied in assessment of the influence of tectonic activity on thirteen selected drainage basins of the streams having linear courses and flowing over two very prominent regional structures of northeast India, viz. the Belt of Schuppen and the Dauki fault. Such analysis has been made in order to assess the influence of tectonic activity of these structures on the morphology of the drainage basins of those streams.The different morphotectonic indices considered are: Basin elongation ratio, hypsometric integral, steepness index and profile concavity, drainage basin asymmetry, valley floor width to valley height ratio, longitudinal profiles, stream length gradient index and mountain front sinuosity. Results of the analysis of the morphotectonic indices of the drainage basins infer that morphology of both the streams and drainage basins have been influenced by the regional structures and the present tectonic status of these two structures varies from active to slightly active phase. No significant influence of lithology is seen in the distribution pattern of the anomalous knick points along the longitudinal profiles. The study also reveals that presently the state of tectonic activity is not uniform within the same regional structure and the Belt of Schuppen is relatively more active as compared to the Dauki fault.