Geo-hydrological inferences through morphometric aspects of the Himalayan glacial-fed river: a case study of the Madhyamaheshwar River basin

Abstract

Morphometric parameters are usually prerequisites for the assessment of hydrological facets of a basin. Quantitative evaluation of a drainage basin further helps in the micro-level study of its physiographic characteristics. In this study, an attempt has been made to determine the detailed aspects of morphometric characteristics of the Madhyamaheshwar River basin, a watershed of the Mandakini River that constitutes a part of the Alaknanda River. There are a large number of drainage systems which have their source in the Himalaya. This study was performed using the hydrology tool in geographic information system (GIS) environment. Evaluation of linear, aerial, and relief morphometric parameters was achieved through digital delineation and drainage analysis to provide hydrological insights. A detailed morphometric analysis obtained in this study enlightens distinctive morphometric settings of stream within the drainage system like stream behaviour, the interrelation between connected streams, system’s inputs and outputs of matter, and energy. The geometric structure of the basin is ideal for flood velocity assessment backing significantly to stream energy and erosive patterns. Such geometric forms are ideal for increasing flood velocities, which contribute greatly to the available stream energy, and erosion and transportation capacities. Features such as hydrogeology have been evaluated to anticipate the drainage characteristics of the river. This study is also vital regarding the understandings of the subsurface lithology of the basin and sustainable management of the river resources.