Morphometric analysis of Dwarakeswar watershed, Bankura district, West Bengal, India, using spatial information technology

Abstract

Spatial information technology that is, remote sensing (RS) coupled with geographical information system (GIS) has come out as an efficient tool in delineating drainage pattern and water resource management and its planning. GIS and Image Processing techniques have been adopted for the identification of morphological features and analyzing their properties in Dwarakeswar River Basin area in Purulia and Bankura districts of West Bengal, India. The basin morphometric parameters such as linear and aerial aspects of the river basin have been determined. The parameters worked out include both linear aspects [Stream order (Nu), Bifurcation ratio(Rb), Stream length(Lu), Stream frequency] and aerial aspects [Form factor (Rf), Circulatory Ratio (Rc), Elongation Ratio (Re) and Drainage Density]. The study reveals that the area is characterized by fine drainage texture and lower drainage density indicating the basin is characterized by highly resistant permeable material with low relief. The overall drainage pattern of the Dwarkeswar watershed reflects a dendritic pattern. Dendritic pattern, in general, is considered as a group of resequent streams within homogeneous lithology and gently sloping topography. This study would help the local people to utilize the resources for sustainable development of the basin area. Key words: Quantitative geomorphology, drainage basin, Dwarakeswar watershed, morphometric analysis, spatial information technology.