Channel Pattern as Signature of Neotectonic Movements — A Case Study from Brahmaputra Valley in Assam

Abstract

Spatial characteristies of drainage geometry of Brahmaputra river and its tributaries were studied based on visual interpretation of 1RS IB imagery (on 1:250,000 scale) and topographical maps of different periods. Observed features of drainage lines alongwith possible mechanism of their formation in terms of neotectouie adjustment are discussed It is inferred that selected stretches of Brahmaputra river viz. between Dibrugarh and Jorhat and between Guwahati and Goafpara may represent channels with active boundaries that have restrieted/controlled the width of sinuous lines of discharge of the river within the valley. Local tilting of ground, lying to the south-east of Brahmaputra river, between Noa Dihing and Burhi Dihing rivers, may explain some of the observed features of these drainage lines Movement along some lineaments in recent past has occurred. This inference is based on the evidence of adjustment of several drainage lines viz, Dihing. Burhi Dihing. Dikrang. and Mora Bhareh rivers and displacement of rocks of younger age.