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.     

GIS-based morphometric analysis of five major sub-watersheds of Song River,Dehradun District,Uttarakhand with special reference to landslide incidences

Evaluation of the morphometric parameters requires preparation of drainage map, contour map, ordering of the various streams and measurements of catchment area, perimeter, relative relief, relief ratio, length of drainage channels, drainage density, drainage frequency, bifurcation ratio, texture ratio, circulatory ratio and constant channel maintenance, which help to understand the nature of the drainage basin. The present study involves the Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis techniques to evaluate and compare linear, relief and aerial morphometry of the five subwatersheds of Song River (tributary of the Ganga River) with special reference to landslide incidences, for future development and planning of the watershed. Jakhan Rao, Song River, Bandal Nadi, Baldi Nadi and Suswa Nadi are the five major subwatersheds of the Song River basin. All the subwatersheds are basically of 5^th to 6^th order. Drainage patterns are mainly dendritic to sub dendritic. The drainage pattern of the Song River basin is mainly structurally controlled and the area is characterized by high to moderate relief. The asymmetric factor indicates that the tectonic rotation of the four subwatersheds is upward on the right side of the drainage basin and only one sub-watershed is downward. The numbers of the landslide incidences are also more in the upward side, than the downward side of the Song River basin.     

Runoff Estimation and Morphometric Analysis for Hesaraghatta Watershed Using IRS–1D LISS III FCC Satellite Data

The study area, Hesaraghatta watershed is located between 77° 20′ to 77° 42′ E longitude and 13° 10′ to 13° 24′ N latitude with an area of 600.01 km². Thematic layers such as Land Use/Land Cover, drainage, soil and hydrological soil group were generated from IRS–1D LISS III satellite data (FCC). An attempt was made to estimate runoff using Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number model and it was estimated to be 1960, 2066, 1870 and 1810 mm for sub-watersheds 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Quantitative morphometric analysis was carried out for the entire watershed and the four sub-watersheds independently by estimating their (a) linear aspects like stream order, stream length, stream length ratio, bifurcation ratio, length of overland flow, drainage pattern (b) aerial aspects like shape factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio and drainage density and (c) relief aspects like basin relief, relief ratio, relative relief and ruggedness number. Drainage density was estimated to be 1.23 km/km² designating the study area as a very coarse textured watershed.     

Morphometric analysis of sub-watersheds in Gurdaspur district, Punjab using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Morphometric analysis of two sub-watersheds was carried using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Detailed drainage map prepared from aerial photographs and SOI toposheets was updated using latest IRS-ID PAN sharpened LISS-III analog data. Updated drainage maps were used for the morphometric analysis of the two sub-watersheds. Both the sub-watersheds show dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern with moderate drainage texture. High bifurcation ratio indicates a strong structural control on the drainage. Logarithm of number of stream vs. stream order show deviation from straight line indicating regional upliftment. In spite of mountainous relief, low drainage density values indicate that the area is underlain by impermeable sub-surface material. Circulatory and elongation ratios show that both the sub-watersheds have elongated shape.     

Morphometric analysis to determine floods in the Upper Krishna basin using Cartosat DEM

The evaluation of basin characteristics from the morphometric parameters helps in understanding the physical behaviour of the catchments with respect to floods. The advanced technologies, such as Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS), were used for extraction of drainage networks using Cartosat Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the Upper Krishna basin, to evaluate the morphometric analysis. Basin morphometric parameters were applied to assess the major influencing catchments which cause flooding in the main Krishna River. The morphometric analysis for the ten major potential flood prone river catchments of the basin reveals that, the river catchments such as Krishna, Koyna, Yerla having the greater tendency to peak discharge in a short period of time to the main Krishna River because of high relief ratio (Rh), high ruggedness number and less time of concentration (Tc). The Don catchment having the highest drainage density (Dd), stream frequency, mean bifurcation ratio and infiltration number causes greater runoff influence on the main Krishna River. The Dudhganga and Panchaganga catchments having highest form factor, medium Dd, texture ratio, Rh and time of concentration causes moderate runoff influence towards main Krishna River. The study indicates that systematic analysis of morphometric parameters derived from Cartosat DEM using GIS provide useful information about catchment characteristics with respect to floods management.     

Assessment and planning for integrated river basin management using remote sensing,SWAT model and morphometric analysis (case study: Kaddam river basin,India)

Abstract

River basin assessment is crucial for water management and to address the watershed issues. So, an integrated river basin management and assessment model using morphometric assessment, remote sensing, GIS and SWAT model was envisaged and applied to Kaddam river basin, Telangana state, India. Morphometric results showed high drainage density ranging from 2.19 to 5.5?km²/km, with elongated fan shape having elongation ratio of 0.60–0.75 with sparse vegetation and high relief. Land use change assessment showed that 265.26?km² of forest land is converted into irrigated land and has increased sediment yields in watersheds. The calibration (r ²?=?0.74, NSE?=?0.84) and validation (r ²?=?0.72, NSE?=?0.84) of SWAT model showed that simulated and observed results were in agreement and in recommended ranges. The SWAT simulations were used to compute mean annual water and sediment yield from 1997 to 2012, along with morphometric results to categorize critical watersheds and conservation structures were proposed accordingly.     

Morphometric analysis using remote sensing techniques in the chaka sub-basin, purulia district, West Bengal

Remote sensing techniques using satellite imagery have proved to be an indispensible tool in morphometric analysis and groundwater studies. In the present area, morphometric analysis using temote sensing techniques have been carried out in Chaka river sub-basin of Manbazar Block, Purulia district, West-Bengal, which is one of the most drought affected area in West-Bengal. The parameters worked out include Bifurcation ratio (R_b), Stream length (L_u). Form factor (R_f), Circulatory ratio (R_c), and Drainage density. The morphometric analysis suggests that the area is covered by fractured, resistant, permeable rocks, the drainage network not so affected by tectonic disturbances. Using satellite imageries of LANDSAT and IRS, different hydrogeomorphological units have been delineated. The study shows that moderately weathered pediplains and valley fills are good prospective zones for groundwater exploration.     

Morphometric aspects of a small tropical mountain river system,the southern Western Ghats,India

Abstract

The Muthirapuzha watershed (MW) is one among the major tributaries of Periyar – the longest west flowing river in Kerala, India. A morphometric analysis was carried out to determine the spatial variations in the drainage characteristics of MW and its 14 fourth order sub-watersheds (SW1–SW14) using Survey of India topographic maps and Landsat ETM⁺ imagery. The study revealed that the watershed includes a sixth order stream and lower order streams dominate the basin. Results did indicate that rainfall has a significant role in the drainage development whereas structure and relief of rocks dictate the drainage pattern. The asymmetry in the drainage distribution is correlated with the tectonic history of the Munnar plateau in the late Paleocene age. The watershed is moderate to well-drained and exhibited a geomorphic maturity in its physiographic development. The shape parameters revealed the elongated nature of MW and drainage network development in the watershed. Further, the analysis provided significant insight into the terrain characteristics. This study strongly brings to light, (a) the tendency of the watershed to soil loss and (b) the hydrological makeup of the sub-watersheds, which combined helped to formulate a comprehensive watershed management plan.     

Morphometric analysis of sub-watersheds in the pavagada area of Tumkur district,South India using remote sensing and gis techniques

The study area covers 570 km² comprising of 9 sub-watersheds (Dalavayihalli, Maddalenahalli, Talamaradahalli, Puluvalli tank, Nagalamadike, Gowdatimmanahalli, Naliganahalli, Devadabetta and Byadanur) range from 49 to 75 km² forming part of Pennar river basin around Pavagada. The drainage network of 9 sub-watersheds was delineated using remote sensing data - Geocoded FCC of bands - 2 3 4 of IRS 1 C and 1 D (LISS III+PAN merged) on 1:50,000 scale and SOI topomaps were used as reference. The morphometric analysis of 9 sub-watersheds has been carried out using GIS softwares - Arclnfo and Are View. The drainage network shows that the terrain exhibits dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern. Stream orders ranges from fourth to fifth order. Drainage density varies between 1.55 and 2.16 km/ km² and has very coarse to coarse drainage texture. The relief ratio range from 0.006 to 0.021. The mean bifurcation ratio varies from 3.21 to 4.88 and falls under normal basin category. The elongation ratio shows that Devedabetta sub-watershed possesses circular shape while remaining sub-watersheds mark elongated pattern. Hence from the study it can be concluded that remote sensing techniques proved to be a competent tool in morphometric analysis.     

Check dam positioning by prioritization of micro-watersheds using SYI model and morphometric analysis — Remote sensing and GIS perspective

Sediment Yield Index (SYI) model and results of morphometric analysis have been used to prioritize watersheds and to locate sites for checkdam positioning in Tarafeni watershed in Midnapur district. West Bengal. Various thematic maps such as land use/land cover, slope, drainage, soil etc. were prepared from 1RS ID LISS III digital data, SOI toposheets of 1:50,000 scale and other reference maps. Morphometric parameters such as bifurcation ratio (R_b). drainage density (D_d), texture ratio (T), length of overland flow (L_o), stream frequency (F_u), compactness coefficient (C_c), circularity ratio (R_c), elongation ratio (E_r), shape factor (B_s) and form factor (R_f) were computed. Automated demarcation of prioritization of micro-watersheds was done by using GIS overlaying technique by assigning weight factors to all the identified features in each thematic map and ranks were assigned to the morphometric parameters. Five categories of priority viz., very high, high, medium, low and very low, were given to all the watersheds in both the methods. Sixty-two micro-watersheds using SYI method and twenty-three micro-watersheds using morphometric have been prioritized as very high priority. Final priority map was prepared by considering the commonly occurred very high-prioritized micro-watersheds in both SYI model and morphometric analysis. Twenty-four suitable sites were identified for check dam construction in 21 highly prioritized watersheds. It is proved that integrated study of SYI model and morphometric analysis yield good result in prioritization of watersheds.     

Comparison of basin morphometry derived from topographic maps,ASTER and SRTM DEMs: an example from Kerala,India

The drainage network of a sixth-order tropical river basin, viz. Ithikkara river basin, was extracted from different sources such as Survey of India topographic maps (1: 50,000; TOPO) and digital elevation data of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) (30 m) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mapping Mission (SRTM) (90 m). Basin morphometric attributes were estimated to evaluate the accuracy of the digital elevation model (DEM)-derived drainage networks for hydrologic applications as well as terrain characterization. The stream networks derived from ASTER and SRTM DEMs show significant agreement (with slight overestimation of lower order streams) with that of TOPO. The study suggests that SRTM (despite the coarser spatial resolution) provides better results, in drainage delineation and basin morphometry, compared to ASTER. Further, the variability of basin morphometry among the data sources might be attributed to spatial variation of elevation, raster grid size and vertical accuracy of the DEMs as well as incapability of the surface hydrologic analysis functions in the GIS platform.     

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.     

Influence of rock types and structures in the development of drainage network in hard rock area

Remote sensing techniques has proved to be an extremely useful tool in morphometric analysis and groundwater studies. Remote sensing techniques with an emphasis on lineament identifications can play a great role in groundwater prospecting in semi-arid hard rock areas of Purulia district. In the present study, morphometric analysis using remote sensing technique has been carried out in parts of Baghmundi block, Purulia district, West Bengal. The parameters worked out include Bifurcation ratio (R_b), Stream length (L_u), Form factor (R_c), Circulatory ratio (R_c), and Drainage density (D). The morphometric analysis suggests that fractured, resistant, permeable rocks cover the area, the drainage network not so affected by tectonic disturbances. Using satellite imageries of two dates of IRS, different hydrogeomorphological units have been delineated. Among different hydrogeomorphic units (i) very shallow weathered pediment and (ii) Structural hills/ residual hills/inselbergs have very poor ground water prospects, while moderately weathered pediplains and valley fills are good prospective zones for groundwater exploration.     

Geographic information system–based morphometric characterization of sub-watersheds of Meenachil river basin,Kottayam district,Kerala, India

The study areas Tikovil and Payppara sub-watersheds of Meenachil river cover 158.9 and 111.9 km², respectively. These watersheds are parts of Western Ghats, which is an ecologically sensitive region. The drainage network of the sub-watersheds was delineated using SOI topographical maps on 1:50,000 scale using the Arc GIS software. The stream orders were calculated using the method proposed by Strahler's (1964 Strahler, A. N. 1964. “Quantitative geomorphology of drainage basins and channel networks”. In Hand book of applied hydrology. Vol. 4, Edited by: Chow, V. T. Vol. 4, 39–44.  [Google Scholar]). The drainage network shows that the terrain exhibits dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern. Stream order ranges from the fifth to the sixth order. Drainage density varies between 1.69 and 2.62 km/km². The drainage texture of the drainage basins are 2.3 km^–1 and 6.98 km^–1 and categorized as coarse to very fine texture. Stream frequency is low in the case of Payappara sub-watershed (1.78 km^–2). Payappara sub-watershed has the highest constant of channel maintenance value of 0.59 indicating much fewer structural disturbances and fewer runoff conditions. The form factor value varies in between 0.42 and 0.55 suggesting elongated shape formed for Payappara sub-watershed and a rather more circular shape for Tikovil sub-watershed. The mean bifurcation ratio (3.5) indicates that both the sub-watersheds are within the natural stream system. Hence from the study it can be concluded that GIS techniques prove to be a competent tool in morphometric analysis.     

Morphometric analysis of Upper Tons basin from Northern Foreland of Peninsular India using CARTOSAT satellite and GIS

The morphometric analysis of river basin helps to explore the interrelationship between hydraulic parameters and geomorphologic characteristics. The study has been conducted in the Upper Tons basin of Northern Foreland of Peninsular India. The river basin has been characterized using the topographical maps, CARTOSAT satellite image integrated using the GIS techniques. The drainage density analysis indicates lower values in the north-eastern regions and thus these regions can be categorized as better ground water potential zone. There are in total 10 sub-watersheds which have been delineated; SW-4 has maximum drainage density (4.75), stream frequency (5.61) and drainage texture (26.64) followed by SW-6–10. The prioritized sub-watershed numbers SW-4 and SW-6–10 need conservation practices because of their high erodibility and run-off. SW-1–3 and SW-5 regions have better permeable bed rocks and hence good for water harvesting. The areal parameter indicates elongated shape of basin and moderate to steeper ground slope. The results are supported by extensive field survey. This study can be applied for soil and water management, as well as disaster prevention from similar type of drainage basins.     

Prioritisation of sub-watersheds based on earth observation data of agricultural dominated northern river basin of India

The Upper Tons River Basin of North India has been selected for prioritisation of sub-watersheds (SW) based on morphometric parameters with respect to groundwater derived from topographic sheets and CARTOSAT data. There are 10 SW have been delineated in the region, high stream frequency (F_s) values of SW (1–5) and SW-9 indicated the occurrence of steep slopes, less permeable rocks, greater runoff, less infiltration possibility. Further, these regions have been predicted as poor groundwater potentialities. SW-2 has been identified as poorest groundwater potential zone, whereas SW-4 and SW (6–8) regions possess good permeable bed rocks. The Drainage density (D_d) map demonstrated that the middle south-west region possesses higher D_d whereas northeastern regions contain lower D_d. Further, the areal parameters indicate elongated shape of the basin, hilly region has moderate to steeper ground slope. The outcomes of work have potential to manage groundwater and to ameliorate the flash flood and droughts.     

Fluvial morphometry of supraglacial river networks on the southwest Greenland Ice Sheet

Extensive, complex supraglacial river networks form on the southwest Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) surface each melt season. These networks are the dominant pathways for surface meltwater transport on this part of the ice sheet, but their fluvial morphometry has received little study. This paper utilizes high-resolution (2 m) WorldView-1/2 images, digital elevation models, and GIS tools to present a detailed morphometric characterization (river number, river length, Strahler stream order, width, depth, bifurcation ratio, braiding index, drainage density, slope, and relief ratio) for 523 GrIS supraglacial river networks. A new algorithm is presented to determine Strahler stream order in supraglacial environments. Results show that (1) Supraglacial river networks are broadly similar to terrestrial landscapes in that they follow Horton’s laws (river number, mean river length, and slope versus stream order), widen downstream, and have comparable mean bifurcation ratios (3.7 ± 1.9) and braiding indices; (2) unlike terrestrial systems, supraglacial drainage densities (0.90–4.75 km/km²) have no correlation with elevation relief, but instead display a weakly inverse correlation with ice surface elevation; (3) both well-developed (e.g., fifth-order) and discrete (e.g., first-order) supraglacial river networks form on the ice sheet, with the latter associated with short flow distances upstream of a terminal moulin; (4) mean river flow widths increase substantially, but flow depths only modestly, with increasing stream order. Viewed collectively, the 523 supraglacial river networks studied here display fluvial morphometries both similar and dissimilar to terrestrial systems, with moulin capture an important physical process driving the latter.     

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.     

Morphometric analysis and prioritization of miniwatersheds in Mohr watershed,Gujarat using remote sensing and GIS techniques

In this study, morphometric analysis and prioritization of the eight miniwatersheds of Mohr watershed, located between Bayad taluka of Sabarkantha district and Kapadwanj taluka of Kheda district in Gujarat State, India is carried out using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The morphometric parameters considered for analysis are stream length, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, texture ratio, form factor, circularity ratio, elongation ratio and compactness ratio. The Mohr watershed has a dendritic drainage pattern. The highest bifurcation ratio among all the miniwatersheds is 9.5 which indicates a strong structural control on the drainage. The maximum value of circularity ratio is 0.1197 for the miniwatershed 5F2B5b3. The miniwatershed 5F2B5a2 has the maximum elongation ratio (0.66). The form factor values are in range of 0.29 to 0.34 which indicates that the Mohr watershed has moderately high peak flow for shorter duration. The compound parameter values are calculated and prioritization rating of eight miniwatersheds in Mohr watershed is carried out. The miniwatershed with the lowest compound parameter value is given the highest priority. The miniwatershed 5F2B5b2 has a minimum compound parameter value of 3.12 is likely to be subjected to maximum soil erosion hence it should be provided with immediate soil conservation measures.