Abstract
Basin morphometry is a means of mathematically quantifying different aspects of a drainage basin. In the present study, morphometric analysis of the Gal Oya river basin was done to elucidate information on the morphometry of the Gal Oya river basin and to assess its hydrological characteristics and flood potentials based on the morphological characteristics. The study was carried out using spatial data obtained from Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The morphometric parameters considered for the analysis include the linear, areal and relief aspects of the basin. Morphometric analysis of the river network and the basin revealed that the Gal Oya basin has 6th order river network (as per the Strahler’s classification) with a dendritic drainage pattern and moderate drainage texture. The obtained values of bifurcation ratio, drainage density, circularity ratio, elongation ratio, form factor, stream frequency and drainage intensity indicate that the basin produces a flatter peak of direct runoff for a longer duration and such flood flows emerging from elongated basins are easier to manage than those from circular basins. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 26 (1): 175– 188 (2014)
Highlights
Morphometry is defined as the measurement and mathematical analysis of the configuration of the earth’s surface and of the shape and dimension of its landforms (Clarke, 1966)
The high Rb values reveals that a lower and extended peak flow would result from the basin and it will reduce the risk of flooding
The low drainage density (Dd) value indicates that the basin has highly permeable sub-soil and thick vegetative cover
Summary
Morphometry is defined as the measurement and mathematical analysis of the configuration of the earth’s surface and of the shape and dimension of its landforms (Clarke, 1966). Morphometric methods, though simple, have been applied for the analysis of area-height relationships, determination of erosion surfaces, slopes, relative relief and terrain characteristics, river basin evaluation, watershed prioritization for soil and water conservation activities in river basins (Kanth, 2012). The morphometric analyses of different basins have been done by various scientists using conventional methods (Horton, 1945; Smith, 1950; Strahler, 1957) and earth observation data and GIS methods (Narendra and Rao, 2006). The morphometry of the river basins relates to the hydrological and geomorphic response of processes like runoff, soil erosion, floods and droughts, river sedimentation, changing river flows and branching habit of the streams, flow characteristics of the drainage lines, and on the performance and sustainability of the associated dams and reservoirs if available within the basin (Garde, 2005; Mohd et al, 2013). According to Strahler (1964), systematic
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
