Morphotectonic analysis of the Madhumati watershed, northeast Kashmir Valley

Abstract

The present study examined the morphotectonic parameters of the Madhumati basin with the emphasis on its implication for tectonic activity. Data for this study were obtained from toposheets in digital format which were subjected to field confirmation. We performed digital elevation model (DEM) analysis, and we extracted several geomorphic indices: mountain front sinuosity, valley floor width to valley height ratio, hypsometric curve and integral, stream length gradient index, transverse topography symmetry, drainage basin asymmetry and basin elongation ratio. These morphometric parameters may indicate tectonic activity with a tilt to the south of the northern margin of the Kashmir Basin (Madhumati Catchment). The results reveal that the basin area was 453.71 km2 and the basin was found to be tectonically active with average S mf value 1.14, stream gradient index (SL) 1026.7, Vf 0.13 and T 0.56. The results of elongation ratio 0.15 reveal that the basin is strongly elongate and active. Also, the calculated result of AF 68.52 % reveals that the basin has shifted up right to the trunk stream facing downstream. The results of hypsometric integral 0.49 and convex-up hypsometric curve reveal that the basin has high elevation relative to mean, narrow and incised valleys and has rugged topography, is in youthful stage and is tectonically active.