Geomorphometric Analysis for Estimation of Sediment Production Rate and Run-off in Tuirini Watershed, Mizoram, India

Abstract

In hilly areas like Mizoram, sediment production rate and run-off estimation for land parcels is of utmost importance to the efforts of soil and water conservation work. The study demonstrated the use of remotely sensed data in conjugation with GIS for the sustainable development of watershed. The terrain is prone to erosion due to steeper slopes associated with high relief and drainage density. The different geomorphometric parameters of the study area have been computed with the aid of ArcGIS-10.2 software. SPR and run-off rate of the watershed was estimated on the basis of morphometric parameters. The Tuirini watershed is designated as 6th order stream comprises an area of about 420 sq.km. The mean bifurcation ratio indicates strong structural control over the drainage development. The values of drainage density and texture ratio indicate that the area is composed of impermeable rocks associated with very fine drainage texture. The analysis of shape and relief parameters shows that watershed is having elongated shape and structurally complex with high relief. The estimated value of SPR and runoff rate suggests that the watershed produces moderate amount of sediments annually with high discharge of runoff due to high relief with steeper slopes.