Planform analysis of Hooghly river metamorphosis using multidate satellite data

Abstract

Conventional techniques of monitoring both long-term and short-term changes in river morphology is time consuming and expensive. Remote sensing with its synoptic and temporal capability is an effective tool to study river metamorphosis. The present study is carried out in lower Ganga basin where Hooghly river is an important river contributing sediment to this vast fertile plain. A time series planform analysis is carried out between 1971 to 1991 period. Thematic maps generated from Landsat MSS and IRS-IA LLSS-I satellite data for 1986 and 1991 period respectively is compared with 1971 topographic maps. The migratory character of paleocourse of Hooghly river is deciphered through the paleochannels, oxbow takes and meander scars deciphered from satellite imagery. The shortterm river metamorphosis like cut-offs, bar migration and point bar accretion morphology are mapped and compared with 1971 topographic maps. The critical zone with respect to cut-offs and future channel migration are identified for river stabilization work.