Active tectonics influences in the Satluj river basin in and around Rampur, Himachal Himalaya, India

Abstract

The detailed investigation of surface dynamics plays a vital role in the identification of regions experiencing recent tectonic activity. The analytical capabilities of geographic information system (GIS) in association with digital elevation model (DEM) are utilized to extract the morphometric and morphotectonic parameters of Satluj basin around a socio-economically important area (the Rampur zone). The drainage network of Strahler order 5 has been extracted from DEM and further analysed qualitatively and quantitatively in order to delineate areas of active deformation and the influence of neotectonic activities on the basin evolution. Further, the responses of the fluvial drainage patterns and other basinal geomorphic indices against the tectonic disturbances have been assessed. The results of morphometric and morphotectonic parameters affirm the neotectonic activities in the basin which is further verified in the field investigations by the presence of active faults, triangular facets, knick points, sharp truncation of the channel, offset channel etc. In addition, an attempt has been made to associate the landslide occurrences with morphometric features. The results of the morphometric study supported by the data of repeated occurrence of earthquake swarms and landslides in the region suggest high neotectonic activity along an active fault in the basin.