Geomorphic control on wetland classification: a case study in Himalayan Floodplain region

Abstract

Wetland classification is the primary tool to identify and determine wetland landscapes, but it seems to be very difficult as wetlands are the transitional zone between aquatic boundary and terrestrial boundary. Wetlands are also found in different hydroclimatic and topographic settings. Recently ecological wetland classification focuses on hydrogeomorphic unit to know the physical background of the wetland. In most of the cases, the topographic terms like slopes, flats have been given more importance than the geomorphological terms like ox-bow, floodplain. Floodplain wetlands in the Himalayan foothill region are very dynamic in nature. In Tufanganj C.D Blocks of Coochbehar district, many floodplain wetlands are evolved in the form of ox-bow lakes, meander scrolls and paleochannels. These wetland landform adjustments have been taking place as a result of spatio-temporal changes of rivers. The study focuses on the process–landform relationships and timescales of landform adjustments which is helpful for further wetland classification and management. In collaboration with both the participation of geomorphology community in wetland science and awareness by ecology community, characterizing wetlands as dynamic landscapes will be more eminent for wetland research and management.