Flood Prioritization of Basins Based on Geomorphometric Properties Using Morphometric Analysis and Principal Component Analysis: A Case Study of the Maner River Basin

Abstract

Watershed characterization and its prioritization could help identify crucial sub-watersheds for conservation and mitigation efforts. Traditional methods for determining morphometric characteristics are time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive. However, as remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) technology have advanced, the process has become simpler, less expensive, and faster. The present chapter study prioritizes sub-watersheds based on morphometry using RS and GIS in the Maner watershed, Maharashtra state. The shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 30 m was utilized to design drainage networks and identify sub-watersheds. The watershed was divided into nine sub-watersheds (SWs) (SW1–SW9), and the sub-watersheds were prioritized depending on morphometric data. Sub-watersheds were prioritized depending on morphometric analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Several morphometric features such as linear, shape, and relief features were determined for each sub-watershed to prioritize ranking depending on morphometric analysis. Depending on morphometric analysis, four parameters were used in the PCA to rank and prioritize sub-watersheds. The sub-watersheds were divided into low, medium, and high priority depending on morphometric and PCA. SW9 and SW2 were given high priorities depending on morphometric and PCA. For morphometric analysis, high priority has been given to SW2 and SW9, while for PCA, high priority has been given to SW4 and SW7. SW6 is the most common sub-watershed to come under each priority. The high priority indicates that the sub-watershed is most vulnerable to flooding and soil erosion. Statistical research shows that stream order and stream number, as well as stream order and stream length, have a significant association. The results of this chapter may be applicable to many stakeholders involved in managing water and soil conservation and developing watersheds.