Hypsometric Analysis Using Microwave Satellite Data and GIS of Naina–Gorma River Basin (Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh, India)

Abstract

Understanding about the stages of geomorphic evolution and geological development of any river catchment and its proneness to erosional process is important for managing the water resources and loss of sediment. Hence, this work is focused on identification of the growth stage of Naina–Gorma river basin and its sub-basins. Hypsometric curve (HC) and hypsometric integral (HI) have been estimated using microwave satellite data in the geographical information system (GIS) environment. The result shows that the HI value ranges from 0.36 to 0.89, indicating youth to mature stage of geomorphic development for river basin and its 15 sub-basins. Therefore, the sub-basins which are at youth age stage of geomorphic development are of high susceptibility to medium to complex denudational processes, erosion, channel erosion, and mass movement activity. This mass movement is due to variation in tectonic activity, rejuvenation processes, and lithology of the area. It helps to measure watershed health, represent the form, its evolution, and morphology of river basin. The results of the statistical analysis suggest that positive statistical relationship exists between the area and the hypsometric integral groups of the 15 sub-basins. It also plays an important role in explaining the dynamics of surface and subsurface water runoff generation. The results of the study have been validated through field visits and surveys. The findings of the work would help in construction and adoption of appropriate soil and water conservation measures in the rain-fed river system to retard the soil erosion and conservation of water.