Quantification of Geomorphic Indices for Identifying Water Retaining Problem in Basaltic Terrain and Preparation of Water Resource Management Plan Through Integrated Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract

Water is an essential resource for the existence of life on earth. The storage capacity of the water depends on the physiography, soil, slope and geomorphic characteristics of the region. The analysis of geomorphic indices can signify the relationship between topographic characteristic and water retaining capacity which helps in identifying the water shortage problem and its solution. Most of the coastal watersheds in Deccan trap region in India face water scarcity problem during non-monsoonal season as they are covered mostly by basaltic hard rock terrain which is less porous in nature. The main focus of the present research is the analysis of geomorphic indices to address the water retaining problem and to suggest water resource management plan through integrated Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. To achieve this goal, the spatial data has been collected from different sources which is incorporated with field observation data. The thematic databases such as geology and geomorphology have been prepared to understand the topographical characteristic of the study area. The various geomorphic indices have been quantified with the help of satellite image and ASTER GDEM in GIS platform. The comparative geomorphic indices curves have been prepared to understand the topographic and geomorphic factors for addressing the water recharge problems. The analysis of geomorphic indices shows that the water retaining capacity is very low in the Upper gad and Janvali sub-watershed due to the influence of hard (Basaltic) rock, steep slope and has greater structural control. Further, hard rock terrain, rugged topography and surface roughness have been observed during field study which has great influence on water retaining capacity. The suitable artificial recharge techniques have also been suggested for sustainable development of water resource in the study area.