Remote Sensing and GIS Based Analysis of Geomorphic Evidences and Morphometry of Active Faults in Kachchh Area

Kachchh basin is a Mesozoic rift basin under the influence of many active faults. This in turn gives rise to marked structural complexity and associated seismicity. Remote Sensing study of geomorphic evidences of these faults has been carried out using satellite images and is validated using morphometric analysis and digital elevation model data. Satellite images not only help in identifying expression of active faults and active tectonics on a macroscopic scale, but also provide the image characteristics of active faults directly. A few faults along with nature of lateral displacement could be identified from the Kachchh area. Morphometric analysis viz., sinuosity, asymmetry factor and hypsometry indicated affected streams and drainage basins due to fault activity.     

Geomorphic signatures of active tectonics in Bist Doab interfluvial tract of Punjab,NW India

Bist Doab interfluvial tract in the north-western part of Punjab, India, has been investigated for geomorphic signatures of active tectonics using remotely sensed data and geographical information system (GIS). The anomalous river flow, abrupt changes in flow direction, angular drainage, compressed meanders, asymmetry of river bends, high channel sinuosity, abandoned channels, water-logged and marshy areas observed along the courses of Beas and Sutlej rivers and their tributaries indicate tectonically active nature of the terrain. The strong control exercised by the NE-SW and NW-SE trending lineaments on the drainage network is well evident in the form of long straightened slope deviatory courses, definite changes in channel pattern and sharp knee bend turns taken by the seasonal rivulets. The asymmetric and elongated nature of watersheds and straight to curvilinear mountain fronts quantified through morphotectonic analysis are characteristic of tectonically active settings and further corroborate the evidence of active tectonics.     

Application of DEM,Remote Sensing and Geomorphic Studies in Identifying a Recent [or perhaps Neogene?] Upwarp in the Dibru River Basin,Assam, India

The Dibru river basin of Assam is investigated to examine the influence of active structure by applying an integrated study on geomorphology, morphotectonics, subsurface structure, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) using topographic map, IRS 1D LISS III, IRS P6 LISS III, SRTM, seismic and subsurface data. Seismic data reveals existence of an upwarp and an important fault in the basement around the central and eastern parts of the Dibru basin, respectively. The influence of these structures is well observed on all the younger formations inferring their active nature possibly till the Recent Period. Existence of fluvial anomalies, viz. annular drainage pattern, lineaments, abrupt changes in the direction of river course, beheaded stream and valley incision infer role of structural control on the fluvial features of this basin. Most commonly used indices for morphotectonic analysis, viz. basin elongation ratio (Re), transverse topographic symmetry (T), asymmetric factor (AF), valley floor width to valley height ratio (Vf) have been used to identify the evidences of active structures in the area. The values of Re indicated tectonically active, T indicated an asymmetric nature, AF indicated tilting and Vf indicated active incision in the Dibru basin. The DEM, profiles across the valley and superimposed longitudinal profiles of incised channel bed and valley shoulder of the Dibru clearly reveal valley incision by the river. Three large paleochannels located in different parts of the basin had their headwaters towards east at the common source, i.e. the Diyun river. These paleochannels had been resulted when their headwaters avulsed to create new rivers due to affect of the subsurface structures during Recent (or perhaps Neogene?) Period.     

Tectonic activity classes along the nahan thrust (NT) in nw sub-himalaya

Morphotectonic analysis using remote sensing images and GIS techniques have been utilized to identify areas experiencing rapid tectonic deformation and to estimate relative variations of tectonic activity along the mountain front in the Morni Hills, marked by the Nahan Thrust (NT) zone. The NT separates the Upper Morni Hills (UMH) from the highly dissected Lower Morni Hills (LMH). The digital elevation model (DEM) of the area draped with the satellite image was used to identify different geomorphic zones mainly based on altitude and dissection by streams. The NT is also marked by incising streams on the hanging wall block that become braided on the footwall block, across the NT, which can be very well picked on the satellite image. The topographic profiles drawn across the NT, using DEM show a sharp break in slope at the mountain front. Morphometric analysis of the mountain front was carried out determining mountain front sinuosity (S_mf) derived from remote sensing images and valley floor/valley width ratio (V_f) indices obtained from topographic profiles using the DEM. The S_mf values vary from 1.1 to 2.4 that are characteristic of low sinuosity mountain fronts. On the other hand, V_f values (0.1 to 0.33) are quite low. Both these indices indicate active uplift of the mountain front and consequent downcutting by streams in the hanging wall block. Further, using the S_mf and V_f indices, two tectonic activity classes: 1 (active) and 2 (moderately active) are identified from the study area.     

Geomorphic Signatures of Active Tectonic in Drainage Basins in the Southern Bolkar Mountain,Turkey

Bolkar Mountain forms the northeast extent of the Central Taurus Mountains, which are located north of the eastern Mediterranean Sea and consist of 3000 m or higher summits. The study area southern part of Bolkar Mt, has been investigated for geomorphic signatures of active tectonics using Geographical information system (GIS). The lower valley floor-to-width to height and elongation ratios, higher convexity, stream length-gradient (SL) indices, hypsometric integral and convex nature of the hypsometric curves and topographic asymmetry show that relative tectonic activity is greater in the eastern sector affected by Ecemiş fault. Spatial variations of tectonic activity along rivers studied point to a general trend of decreasing activity towards the west as well as tectonic activity again increase in the west. Westward migration of basin and range extension is consistent with the place of uplift in the southern Bolkar Mt. Topography of the southern sector is the result of Late Miocene-Early Pliocene extension related uplift. Drainage systems in the upper part of the central and western sectors are under the lithological control and karstic denudation; whereas the development of the drainage systems in the middle and outlet parts of all sectors depend on sea level changes and Late Quaternary tectonism. The development of drainage systems of the eastern sector depends mostly on fault tectonism and climatic changes in the Late Quaternary.     

Spatial Technologies in Deriving the Morphotectonic Characteristics of Tectonically Active Western Tripura Region,Northeast India

Employing integrated remote sensing and GIS technology the western most part of Tripura region (Northeast India) and adjoining Bangladesh region has been investigated in the light of its geomorphological characteristics. Nature of fold ridges, several streams and the respective drainage basins are well depicted in satellite images and digital elevation model providing meaningful information. Quantitative parameters such as stream sinuosity, drainage basin asymmetry, basin elongation ratio have been computed. Main rivers of the study area, namely the Gomti and Khowai follows extremely meandering path and crosses through the transversely faulted anticlinal ridges. Fluvial anomalies viz. shift in stream channel and the abandoned meandering loops have been inferred and mapped. The Haora river in the study area exhibits northward shift in some part. Development of drainage system towards north and south from the drainage divide along the latitude 23°45^′N indicated up arching of the region which is also corroborated by the extracted topographic profiles. It has been observed that several tributary streams have gone dry and agricultural fields are developed along the dried up stream. These derived parameters remained useful to understand the nature of topographical modification attributed to the possible tectonic activity.     

Dleineation and characterization of geomorphological features in a part of lower maharahstra metamorphic plateau using IRS-ID LISS-III Data

In the present study, an attempt has been made to delineate and characterize the different geomorphic units of Tundiya river catchment in a part of Lower Maharahstra Metamorphic Plateau, north-eastern part of Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The drainage, contour and delineated geological units have been overlaid on IRS-ID LISS III satellite imagery (bands 2,3 and 4) in EASI/PACE analysis system to delineate and characterize different geomorphological units and analysis of their processes based on the field observations. The study area is basically of metamorphic in origin with different geological formations and is influenced by the various fluvio-morphological processes. Based on the satellite data analysis, the distinct geomorphological units viz., table top summits, structural hills, subdued plateau, linear ridges, shallow, moderate and deeply buried foot slopes, shallow valley fills and deep valley fills have been delineated and characterized. The information generated from satellite data in the form of vector layers has been used in GIS to generate geological and geomorphological maps of the study area. The present study demonstrates that IRS-ID LISS-III data in conjunction with geology, drainage and contour parameters to enable detailed evaluation of different geomorphological units and analysis of their processes based on the field observations. The delineated geomorphological units can be utilized for evaluation and management of natural resources and geo-environment on sustainable basis at river catchment level.     

Drainage Analysis in a Part of the Brahmaputra Valley in Sivasagar District, Assam, India, to Detect the Role of Neotectonic Activity

An analysis of the drainage network of a part of Sivasagar district, Assam, India, is undertaken to reveal the role of neotectonic activity of the area. A number of fluvial geomorphic anomalies have been identified in the area. A prominent annular drainage anomaly is displayed by the major rivers—the Dikhu, Jhanzi, Namdang, Dorika and Disang, whose courses are carved in response to the ongoing tectonic deformation in the area. This study reveals that the development of topography and drainage system of the study area have been influenced by active subsurface geological structures. Formation of paleochannels, compressed meanders, reticulate streams, swamps, sagging of grounds, stream alignments, lineaments, knick points and abandonment of rivers as well as development of smaller drainage anomalies also substantiate the active nature of the subsurface structures.     

Morpho-tectonic study of Zagros structural belt of SW Iran using remote sensing techniques

The morphotectonics of Zagros Structural Belt (ZSB) of SW Iran has been controlled by collision tectonics of the Arabian and Iranian plates. Morphotectonically ZSB has been distinguished into four lithotectonics units namely, Imbricate Zone (IZ), Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ), Zagros Folded Belt (ZFB) and Molasses Cover Sequence (MCS). The collision generated morphogeny and vertical tectonics in ZSB. The opening of the Red Sea has contributed to vertical tectonics @ 1 mm/year, and during the last 4–5 million years a relief of about 4 km has been generated in ZSB which resulted in development of erosional cycles. The Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) and Imbricate Zone (IZ) became positive tectonic topography with opening of Red Sea. The exogenic geomorphic processes resulted in the erosion and SSZ was exhumed to lower level than IZ. The ZFB and MCS underwent vertical tectonics @ 1 mm/year. The Neo-tectonism is expressed as anomalous drainage and compressed meanders in MCS. The humid cycles (?) during the Quaternary period resulted in fluvial erosion and cuesta, hogbacks, structural and erosional hills and valleys were carved in ZSB in Iran. The NW-SE tectonic trend of ZFB has determined the morphotectonics and the geomorphic grain of ZSB of in SW Iran.     

Soilscapes,geomorphic processes and soil taxonomic new subgroups identified in the Ghaggar river basin of Haryana and Punjab

Soilscapes of the Ghaggar river basin falling in Haryana and Punjab were interpreted and studied by using the Landsat imagery and aerial photographs. Five major landform units identified and demarcated in the area were : channel courses, levees, flood-plains undulating, basinal floodplains and relict basins. On the basis of sedimentation, nature of the river pattern and soil characteristics, the whole basin was divided into three reaches — upper, middle and lower. Taxonomically the soils were placed under Typic Ustipsamments, Typic Ustorthents and lypic Ustifluvents on channel courses; Aquic Ustifluvents, Typic Ustifluvents and Typic Ustochrepts on levees; Fluventic Ustochrepts, Udic Ustochrepts and lypic Camborthids on floodplains undulating; Typic Ustorthents and Udic Ustochrepts on basinal floodplains; Typic Natrustalfs and Natric Camborthids on relict basins. Two new subgroups were proposed, i.e., Natric within the order of Entisol and Inceptisol, and Aquic-udic within the order of Inceptisol. Two dominant geomorphic processes were observed, i.e., fluvial and aeolian.     

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.     

Groundwater Potential Zoning in Thirumanimuttar Sub-Basin Tamilnadu, India—A GIS and Remote Sensing Approach

The main objective of the study is to identify groundwater potential zones in Thirumanimuttar basin with an integrated approach using Remote Sensing and geographical information system(GIS).FCC Image of Landsat TM 30 m resolution data and topographic maps has been used to generate thematic maps like geology,geomorphology,lineament and lineament density,drain-age,drainage density,and slope map of the study area.A number of geomorphic units such as Denudational hills,structural hills,Bajadas,Colluvial plain,Pediplain,Deep Pediment and Alluvial plains have been observed.A composite groundwater potential map has been generated as very high,high,medium,low and very low based on the groundwater availability area.The upper,mid-dle and downstream of the basins have been identified as potential zones for groundwater exploration.The regions of lineaments and intersecting lineaments proved for groundwater potential zones.The data generated was validated with field checks and ob-served to be in conformity with the same.     

Use of terain factors in evaluation and classifications of Darjeeling district,West bengal

The use of LANDSAT data has proved to be a major aid to semi-macroscale geomorphic mapping of terrain. The geomorphological contribution to the classifications of the Darjeeling District, using quantitative measures of selected terrain factors apart from conventional landsystem mapping on MSS-imagery, has been found to be more useful means of terrain evaluation as well as its proper development in resource management. Qualitative estimates of terrain factors, viz. altitude, relief, slope and dissection nature, drainage texture and pattern, valley forms and crest types coupled with landcover types etc. are considered in preparation of landsystem map of the area. Because of its subjective biasness, an alternative approach, the parametric method of terrain classification is carried out to analyse the spatial distributions of quantitative parameters on terrain factors viz. maximum altitude, average altitude, relative relief, average slope, dissection index, drainage density and ruggedness index etc. and to combine the resulting patterns into compositive generalizations. The composite map thus prepared reveals six terrain units of distinct morphological classes and are sufficiently equatable to certain physical conditions of terrain.     

Role of satellite remote sensing in land system mapping,land resources inventory and land use planning: A sample study of kemang river basin,Arunachal Pradesh

Here an attempt has been made to highlight the importance of satellite remote sensing in land system mapping, land resources inventory and land use planning of a sample river basin (in Arunachal Pradesh) covering an area of 10,186 sq. km. The (Kemang) river basin has been divided intofour land systems viz : structural, denudational, piedmont and fluvial. Each system has been analysed with respect toeight land water-land use (resource) parameters for proper land use and environmental management of the river basin. A tentative‘productivity/development strategy ranking’ is also given for optimum planning of the basin.     

Morphometry using remote sensing and GIS techniques in the sub-basins of Kagna river basin, Gulburga district, Karnataka, India

The study area is a part of Kagna river basin in the Gulburga district of Karnataka, India. It covers an area of 1320 km² and it has been subdivided into 4 sub-basins namely Wadi, Chitapur, Sedam and Kurkunta, which range in area from 184 to 537 km². The drainage pattern of these sub-basins are delineated using Geo-coded FCC bands 2,3,4 of IRS 1C and 1D(LISS III+PAN merged) on 1:50,000 scale and Survey of India toposheets as reference. The morphometric parameters are computed using ArcInfo and ArcView GIS softwares. The drainage pattern of the study area is dendritic to sub-dendritic with stream orders ranging from IV to VII orders. Drainage density ranges from 1.40 to 1.86 km/km² suggesting coarse to moderate drainage texture. The change in values of stream length ratio indicate their late youth stage of geomorphic development. The values of bifurcation ratio ranging from 2.00 to 4.71 indicate that all the sub-basins fall under normal basin category. The values of form factor and circulatory ratio, suggest that the Kurkunta sub-basin is elongated and the remaining sub-basins are more or less circular in shape. Elongation ratio indicates that the Wadi sub-basin is a region of very low relief whereas the other sub-basins are associated with moderate to high relief and steep ground slopes. It is concluded that remote sensing and GIS have been proved to be efficient tools in drainage delineation and updation. In the present study these updated drainages have been used for the morphometric analysis.     

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.     

Geomorphic signatures of ore deposits — A case study from sukinda chromite and nickel complex,Orissa

The present scientific pursuit attempts to quantify various geomorphic parameters associated with the Chromite and Nickel ores of Sukinda valley and to establish geomorphic features like land forms, slope, relative relief, drainage pattern, density and frequency, lineaments and erosion surfaces. The present morphologic features of the valley were studied by taking inputs from relevant False Colour Composite, Toposheets and by undertaking ground truth checks. It is observed that both these ores are associated with parallel drainage pattern, which is prevalent in the valley, and are characterised by low drainage density and frequency. However Nickel ore exhibits a higher range in drainage density i.e. from 0.4 to 3.0 km./sq. km. in comparison to Chromite. As regards to erosion surface Cr is found to be associated with 140m and 200m end surfaces while Ni is confined to only 140 m. Though the range of slope varies for both the ore types from 0 to 5 degrees, Cr is reported to be associated mainly with foothills and Ni with valley flats.     

Geomorphology of the cambay basin

The Quaternary geology of the Cambay basin is studied with the help of aerial photographs and spot checking in the field. Sub-aerial denudational, fluviatile, aeolian and marine processes have produced the Recent deposits that cover the Cambay basin. Black cotton soils, lateritic soils and sandy loams, flood plain deposits, levees, swamps, salt waste, barrier spits, sand hills, undulating sands and flat sands have been identified. The trend of the fluviatile and aeolin deposits are in the NE-SW direction and the marine deposits trend NW-SE. The morphostructural distribution studied on the basis of tonal contrasts and drainage pattern indicates a general NE-SW pattern of structural trend in the Cambay basin and is in confirmation with the Aravalli and the Cutch structural trends. The Cambay basin area is a compound landscape wherein a mantle of youthful material fails to hide the dominant features of the underlying landforms. An attempt is made to relate the different geomorphic aspects to the underlying landforms.     

Landforms and Geomorphological Classification of Part of The Upper Baitarani River Basin

Geomorphological map is a very effective tool in management of natural resources and helps in various types of planning and developmental activities. In the present study, geomorphological map for part of the upper Baitarani river basin was prepared using aerial photographs on 1:25,000 scale, satellite imagery in the form of IRS-IA false colour composites, generated from bands, 2,3,4 and SOI topographic sheets validated by ground truth. Since large part of the study area is inaccessible, remotely sensed data have played an important role in detailed mapping. The study area is mainly underlain by Precambrian rocks. Quarternary and recent formations are confined mainly to the river valleys. The criteria adopted for the identification and grouping of landforms of specific genetic type are the overall appearance (morphography), the shape/surface geometry (morphometry). the underlying geology, relief forming processes, and association of forms. The landform units as identified and delineated on the remotely sensed data are grouped under two genetic types, denudational and fluvial. Ten landform units, each having its own features, were identified under three geomorphic domains viz. Hill, Piedmont and Plain.