Drainage Morphometric Analysis Research Articles

Accuracy assessment and enhancement of global DEMs for drainage morphometric analysis: a case study from Aïn Leuh Region, Morocco

Accuracy assessment and enhancement of global DEMs for drainage morphometric analysis: a case study from Aïn Leuh Region, Morocco

Drainage Morphometric analysis of Yagachi watershed area, Karnataka State, India

The Yagachi River watershed in Karnataka State has been chosen for a thorough analysis to recognize the drainage system, morphometric features, and vulnerability of the watershed area to erosion. As a prerequisite to the analysis of morphometric features utilizing ArcGIS software, the stream networks and sub-watersheds (viz., SW01, SW02, SW03 and SW04) were delineated by making use of topographic sheets and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Yagachi watershed covers an area of 551.45 sq. km and observed predominant drainage patterns are sub-parallel and dendritic with sixth-order drainage. Higher stream orders (U=6), implying greater surface runoff and sediment load, and low mean stream length values in the upper reaches, signifying youthful morphological development and strong erosion potential, are characteristics of streams in the watershed. Drainage density values (1.262 to 1.930 km/km2), particularly at upper reaches in the NW part of the watershed, fine to very fine drainage texture values (7.572 and 8.337), moderate to high values of length of overland flow (Lg) and constant of channel maintenance (CCM) indicate steep to moderate slopes, fairly significant surface runoff, and high erosive power of the streams and greater sediment load. The elongated form of the watershed is shown by the computed lower form factor (Ff) and elongation ratio (Re) values. Relief characteristics of the watershed area, although suggest that the study area is vulnerable to erosion and in youth stage, in reality, the area is characterised more by the features of the late mature stage of landform development. The observed anomaly is attributed to the mountain-plain environment as the steeply sloped hill ranges of Bababudan formations are located in the northwestern parts of the Yagachi watershed area. However, the sub-watershed SW03 with high stream length, drainage density and relief value with fine drainage texture is relatively more susceptible to erosion.

Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Its Significance In Drainage Morphometry of Santanavardhani Watershed, Tamil Nadu, India

The present study aims to examine the significance of multivariate statistics in studying morphometric behaviour and its relationship in 13 sub- watersheds of Santanavardhani Watershed, Tamil Nadu. Geographic Information System (GIS) based drainage morphometric analysis has been carried out to decipher the geomorphic behaviour of watershed. Different parameters of Linear, Areal and Relief aspects are considered and quantify with the help of Survey of India (SOI) topographic maps and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) based Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS platform. Correlation Analysis is carried out for twelve morphometric parameters to measure the linear relationship between the variables using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) method. Most of the variables show a strong correlation and represent similar geomorphic characteristics. The correlated data was further used to group the variables into different components using Factor Analysis (FA) and it gives 3 different components like Factor of steepness, Factor of magnitude and Factor of geometry. Hierarchical Clustering method (Ward's method) is implemented to group different sub-watersheds based on its geomorphic behaviour. Cluster-1 consists of sub-watersheds S1, S2, S13, S4, S11, S5, S9, S10 shows homogeneous nature and Cluster-2 and Cluster-3 comprises S6, S12, S3 and S7, S8, respectively show heterogeneity of the sub-watersheds. Keywords: Quantitative Drainage Morphometric Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Factor Analysis, Cluster Analysis, GIS

Late Quaternary Drainage Rearrangement Prevents the Vegetation Development in the La Tatacoa Intermontane Basin of the Colombian Andes

The Tatacoa Desert (TD) is a Cenozoic basin between the Central and Eastern Cordilleras in the southern Colombian Andes. Its sparse vegetation and Badlands morphology resemble a semi-arid environment, despite receiving ∼1,300 mm of mean annual precipitation. Based on optically stimulated luminescence dating in two fluvial terraces and drainage morphometric analysis, we propose that such “aridification” was imposed by a drainage reorganization during the Late Pleistocene. No river coming from the neighboring mountains flows into the TD. This makes the Tatacoa rivers unable to balance the evapotranspiration effect, causing a surficial water deficit. A fluvial terrace (TAT-2) works as a divide between the Tatacoa catchments and the Cabrera River, the latter coming from the Eastern Cordillera and bounding the TD towards the north. Paleocurrent measurements on its sedimentary lithic clasts point to a W-NW-directed flow into the TD. Thus, OSL ages around 74.1 ± 7.0 ka in this terrace suggest the TD was drained by an Eastern Cordillera catchment during the Late Pleistocene. At the western end of the TD, a dissected fluvial terrace (TAT-1) lying 80 m above the Magdalena River ages between 6.3 ± 1.5 and 7.7 ± 1.5 ka, representing the Holocene incision rates of 10.8 ± 0.3 mm/y. Coupled OSL data and river longitudinal profile analysis show a high susceptibility to erosion of the Tatacoa rocks and estimate incision rates ranging from 2–5 mm/y to 10–20 mm/y within the TD. The higher rates are concentrated along knickpoints related to anticlines and thrust faults. Thus, a northward shift of the Cabrera River and a westward migration of the Magdalena Valley have drastically reduced the surficial water availability in the Tatacoa and the development of vegetation, increasing erodibility. Potential climatic and tectonic drivers include 1) terrace accumulation during the wet periods of Marine Isotope Stage 5A and 1; 2) fault-induced incision of the Magdalena River in the NW, which would have favored northward migration of tributaries such as the Cabrera River; and 3) activity on the Baraya thrust fault, which would have prevented rivers from the Eastern Cordillera to enter the desert.

Application of Remote Sensing, GIS, and Drainage Morphometric Analysis in Groundwater potential Assessment for sustainable development in Iyenda River Catchment, Konso Zone, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia

The present study employed remote sensing data, GIS technologies, and drainage morphometric analysis to assess groundwater potential for sustainable development in the Iyenada River Catchment, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia. A 30 m spatial resolution Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapper (SRTM) digital elevation model and toposheets were used to demarcate the present study area’s watershed boundary and extract drainage network in Arc GIS software environment. The current study area was divided into eight watersheds, namely WS-1, WS-2, WS-3, WS-4, WS-5, WS-6, WS-7, and WS-8, and the total areal extend is 497.70 Sqkm. The standard formula was used to determine the necessary linear, relief, and spatial morphometric parameters. According to the present investigation results, the current study region includes undulating topography with slopes ranging from 0° to 52°. The groundwater occurrence is inversely proportional to the following morphometric parameter values: stream frequency, drainage texture, drainage density, bifurcation ratio, and form factor; the lower the values, the more significant groundwater occurrence. The groundwater occurrence is directly proportional to the morphometric parameters: compactness coefficient, elongation ratio, circularity ratio, and length of overland flow. The present study areas’ watersheds were prioritized using compound parameter analysis, which combined the mentioned-above morphometric parameters for each watershed. Compound factor values ranging between 3.78 to 5.11 and same was classified into three categories, and priorities were assigned 3.780 - 4.11 (high), 4.12 - 4.78 (medium), and 4.79 - 5.11 (low). The watersheds (WS-2 and WS-4) need immediate attention to minimize the surface runoff and enhance groundwater recharge. The results show that WS-7 having high and WS-1, WS-3, WS-5, WS-6, and WS-8 have medium groundwater potential. Watersheds with poor groundwater potential demand additional thorough research and remedial procedures, including implementing appropriate recharge systems. The current study demonstrates the effective use of remote sensing, GIS, and drainage morphometry in assessing groundwater potential.

Quantitative evaluation of drainage attributes to infer hydrologic and morphological characteristics of upper Beas Basin, Himachal Pradesh: A GIS-based approach

ABSTRACT Drainage morphometric analysis is a quantitative indexing of linear, areal, and relief attributes of a watershed, which is an essential prerequisite to understand the ongoing geomorphological, geological, and tectonic processes in a watershed that modifies its landscape. The present study is an investigation of the morphometric parameters of upper Beas basin. ALOS PALSAR digital elevation model available at 12.5 m resolution from Alaska Satellite Facility has been used for the study in Arc GIS 10.2 environment. The findings of the study categorize upper Beas as a sixth order drainage basin with a total area of 4958.98 km2. High bifurcation values infer an accelerated state of erosion and underline the mountainous origin and late youthful stage of river Beas and its tributaries. Geometrically, the basin has an elongated shape indicating lower peak flow but for a longer duration making flood management ambiguous. Upper Beas basin has a coarse drainage density and texture, suggesting high infiltration and less surface water availability. Tectonically, studyarea has some prominent faults and thrusts (MBT, MCT, and STD), making the region susceptible to water infiltration. These observations unquestionably indicate a strong tectonic and lithological control over the evolution of drainage patterns in the study area.

Drainage Morphometric Analysis of Shope watershed, Rift Valley, Ethiopia: Remote sensing and GIS-based approach

The quantitative drainage morphometric analysis at the watershed level is essential for understanding its geo-hydrological nature. Drainage morphometric evaluation has been conducted to identify the predominant geological divergence, topographical details, structural arrangement, and interrelationship in the Shope watershed Rift Valley, Ethiopia. The Remote Sensing Data and Geographical Information System (GIS) tools have delineated the Shope Watershed and calculated various morphometric attributes. The Shope watershed exhibits a dendritic drainage pattern very clearly. The watershed’s drainage pattern also suggested that the region lacked geological structural control over the drainage pattern growth. Shope watershed is categorized as a 5th order drainage watershed. The bifurcation ratio ranges between 1.11 and 2.28 (with an average of 1.72) between various stream orders. Low bifurcation values area is more prone to flooding. Mean drainage length and length ratio values indicating the present study area’s undulating topography and steep slope. The Shope watershed’s circularity and elongation ratio values are 0.7 and 0.63. Both values indicate that the present watershed is elongated and has steep slopes, and more prone to erosion and flooding. The higher drainage density values 6.75 km/km2 indicating low infiltration and high runoff. The Shope watershed’s relative relief value is 1757 m, and this high value indicating the study area’s proneness to the flooding and soil erosion. The results of the current drainage morphometric analysis of the Shope watershed are essential for assessing and managing soil and water resources and selecting suitable sites for artificial recharge structures and soil conservation structures for future soil and water management in the present study area.

Drainage Morphometric Analysis of the Nagavathi Watershed of Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, India Using SRTM Data and GIS

GIS and Remote sensing have proved to be a resourceful tool in the explanation of drainage pattern for water resources management and its planning. The identification of morphometric characteristics based on a Geographic Information System (GIS) was carried out in the Nagavathi watershed, Dharmapuri District. The quantitative drainage morphometric parameters was carried out for the Nagavathi watershed by estimating their (a) Linear aspects like Stream number, Stream order, Stream length, Mean stream length, Stream length ratio, Bifurcation ratio, (b) Aerial aspects like Drainage density, Stream frequency, Texture Ratio, Elongation ratio, Form factor, Circularity index, Length of overflow, Constant of Channel maintenance, Drainage texture, Compactness coefficient and (c) Relief aspects like Basin relief, Relief ratio, Ruggedness number, Gradient ratio, Melton ruggedness ratio, Slope, relative relief, Shape Factor and Leminscate. The drainage area of Nagavithi watershed is 482 sq. Km. the main drainage patterns is dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage. The Nagavathi watershed was classified as a fifth order drainage watershed, whereas micro watershed was classified as an eight in the watershed. Stream order of the watershed was predominantly controlled by structural and lithological controls of various drainage patterns and their stream orientations were identified to evaluate the direction and controlling factors in drainage network. The drainage density in the area has been found to be low which indicates that the area possesses highly permeable soils and low relief. The bifurcation ratio varies from 0.8 to 43.1.
 The elongation ratio of Microwatersheds varies from 0.13 to 0.43, indicates Microwatersheds fall under elongated pattern. This study would help the local people to utilize the resources for planning rainwater harvesting and watershed management.

Mapping of soil erosion-prone sub-watersheds through drainage morphometric analysis and weighted sum approach: a case study of the Kulfo River basin, Rift valley, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia

In the present study, soil erosion prioritization of sub-watersheds of the Kulfo River basin was conducted by adopting a drainage morphometric analysis along with a statistical correlation matrix-based weighted sum approach. The drainage network extracted and sub-watershed boundaries were demarcated through GIS techniques using advanced space-borne thermal emission and reflection–digital elevation model (ASTER–DEM). The Kulfo River basin was separated into six sub-watersheds (SW-1 to SW-6), and different morphometric criteria were calculated using the standard formula. And, morphometric parameters like drainage frequency, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, form factor, circulatory ratio, drainage texture, elongation ratio, compact coefficient, and length of overland flow have been considered for sub-watershed prioritization. Based on the results, the Kulfo River basin’s sub-watersheds were categorized into five priority classes: very low, low, medium, high, and very high. The results illustrate the sub-watersheds (SW-1, SW-2, SW-3, and SW-6) that approximately 65% of the Kulfo River basin’s total area fall under the very high, high, and medium soil erosion-prone areas, respectively. Therefore, the above-mentioned four sub-watersheds can be a value for the consideration of the soil protection plan. The outcomes derived from this study will be valuable information for several partners like agriculturists, surface and groundwater wealth administrators, and decision-makers for improving the soil management process. The current research shows that ASTER–DEM data, GIS approach, and a statistical correlation matrix-based weighted sum approach are vibrant tools for watershed prioritization in data-scarce regions.

Sub-watershed Prioritization Based on Drainage Morphometric Analysis: A Case Study of Cauvery River Basin in South India

Abstract Prioritization of sub-watersheds in a river basin using morphometric parameters is one of the simplest approaches for development of watersheds for its use and management. In this perspective, a study has been undertaken in the Cauvery river basin in South India, using morphometric analysis of the entire river basin in relation to its 17 sixth order sub-watersheds. In this study, automated extraction of drainage network method was applied using geospatial techniques. Drainage morphometric analysis was performed through linear, aerial and relief aspects. Strahler stream order classification was applied for classifying the stream order. In general, dendritic and sub-dendritic types of drainage patterns are noticed in the Cauvery river basin. The total length of the river and basin area are 800 km and 82283 km2, respectively. Hypsometric analysis reveals that about 30% of the study area is covered by steep slope with deeply dissected landscapes and the remaining 70% spreads essentially in the Mysore plateau and Tamil Nadu plains which are generally having gentle slopes with an equilibrium stage of landscape development. Prioritization of sub-watershed was carried out based on compound parameter analysis by adding the values of linear and shape parameters of each sub-watershed. The results of prioritization of sub-watersheds reveal that about 88% of sub-watersheds that spread in the river basin fall under high and moderate priority categories for water resource developments. Only two subwatersheds fall under the low priority category which in turn are safe in the case of water resource development. The study warrants the need for more focused investigations and corrective measures including construction of appropriate recharge structures for improving the water potential of the river basin.

Geospatial Approach for Quantitative Drainage Morphometric Analysis of Varuna River Basin, India

Abstract An assessment of Varuna river basin of India was performed to study the various drainage parameters in GIS platform. The delineation of drainage network is possible either physically from topographic sheets or with the help data of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) by methods for calculation techniques. Extraction of the basin and sub-basins, stream network has been produced to evaluate the drainage characteristics in the study zone. The entire Varuna river basin has been subdivided into 3 sub-watersheds and 41 morphometric parameters have been computed under four broad categories i.e. drainage network, basin geometry, drainage texture, and relief characteristics. The morphometric analysis has been performed and different parameters have been correlated with each other to understand their underlying connection and their role over the basin hydro geomorphology. The study discloses different types of morphometric analysis and how they influence the soil and topography of the basin. The investigation and estimation of basin morphometry and relief parameters in GIS will be of massive utility in catchment area advancement, understanding the watershed for natural resource evaluation, planning and administration at any scale. The outcomes thus generated equip us with significant knowledge and may also provide an input that are essential in decision making for watershed planning and drainage development of the watershed.

Sub-watershed wise Runoff Modeling using Drainage Morphometric Analysis in Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India through Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Morphometric examination, being extensively used to evaluate the drainage individuality and have been found to be a helpful tool to identify areas runoff prone sub-watersheds in this current study. Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System has been demonstrated as successful apparatus in the demarcation of drainages and sub-watersheds boundary and morphometric investigations of sub-watersheds. The current study integrates a morphometric study of 68 sub-watersheds of Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Common morphometric parameters are measured for analysis. The following morphometric features such as drainage density, bifurcation ratio, drainage texture, circularity ratio, stream frequency, and form factor has a straight connection by runoff, i.e., superior these values, then, more is the runoff. For the recognition of runoff prone sub-watersheds, the uppermost values of above limits were rated as rank 5, the subsequent uppermost values were rated as rank 4 and so on, and the least values of these factors were charged last in rank 1. The factor such as elongation ratio and length of overland flow has an opposite connection with runoff, i.e., lesser these values; supplementary is the runoff. Therefore the lowly values of these factors were rated as level 5, subsequently, lower values were rated as rank 4 and so on and the maximum values of these parameters were rated last in rank 1. The above-weighted maps were in ArcGIS software to identify the runoff prone sub-watersheds. The current study will improve the systematic understanding of watershed characteristics and its runoff proneness of the study area since there is no prior information is accessible in this study region. The results of the current research will support the development of further hydrological improvement actions in the study area watersheds. Keywords: GIS, morphometric analysis, remote Sensing, sub-watershed-runoff prone modeling Cite this Article J. Muralitharan, K. Palanivel. Sub-watershed wise Runoff Modeling using Drainage Morphometric Analysis in Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India through Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques. Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS. 2019; 10(2): 52–65p.

GIS-Based Approach in Drainage Morphometric Analysis of Bharathapuzha River Basin, India

Aims: The paper aims to study about the river basin morphometry namely the physical, linear and aerial parameters for the basin.
 Study Design: The Study has been carried out with the help of Geospatial techniques and statistical formulas.
 Place and Duration of Study: Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala, India between January 2018 to July 2018.
 Methodology: The Study of River morphometry of Bharathapuzha River basin has been done with the help of SRTM satellite data. The downloaded data has been analyzed with the help of ARC GIS Software. The morphometric analysis has been carried out by dividing the basin into nine watersheds based on Water shed Atlas of India Prepared by Soil and Land Use board of India. Relief, Linear and areal parameters of the basin is calculated with the help of statistical formulas.
 Results: Based on the analysis it is noted that there is not much difference in morphometric values except in some watersheds. Watershed number 5A2B5, 5A2B6 and 5A2B7 has highest drainage density, stream frequency, relief, relief ratio, ruggedness number, stream length ratio and lowest bifurcation ratio. These watersheds are characterized by highest surface runoff and erosion. The values of form factor, circulatory ratio and elongation ratio suggests that most of the watersheds are elongated and has high basin relief. The maximum stream order frequency is observed in case of first order streams and then for second order streams. Hence it is noted that there is decrease in stream frequency as stream order increases.
 Conclusion: The mean bifurcation ratio of the Bharathapuza basin is 1.52 which indicates the whole basin is less effected by structural control. This present study is valuable for the erosion control, watershed management, land and water resource planning and future prospective related to runoff study.

Geo-spatial technique-based approach on drainage morphometric analysis at Kalrayan Hills, Tamil Nadu, India

Drainages are pulses which in turn help us to understand the ongoing process in the hill ecosystem. The Kalrayan hill is known for its dissected terrain condition, rich biological diversity and depletion of natural resources. Therefore, a study on quantitative geomorphometry was carried out in the Kalrayan Hills, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, using Indian remote sensing 1D LISSIII satellite data. The study area was divided into 36 watersheds and total area is 1158.4 km2. It covers the upper part of Vellar basin. The linear, aerial and relief aspects and different morphometric parameters such as stream length, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, drainage texture, relief ratio, basin shape, form factor, circularity ratio, elongation ratio and length of overland flow were computed using standard methods, formulae and geo-spatial technologies. Based on the present drainage morphometric study, it is inferred that the watersheds 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 27, 32, 33, 34 and 36 are active with reference to geological processes, mean denudational rate, peak discharge, mean annual run off, dominant watershed process and sediment yield per unit area. Multi-criteria analysis is performed to determine the drainage architecture and hydrogeological processes occurring in the present hill area.

Drainage morphometric analysis using open access earth observation datasets in a drought-affected part of Bundelkhand, India

In this study, a part of Yamuna and Ken basin was selected for quantitative estimation of morphometric parameters through open access earth observation datasets. Further, spectral indices, namely Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Soil Brightness Index (SBI), have been calculated to know the relationship with the morphometric parameters. The area has sub-dendritic to dendritic drainage pattern and designated as fifth order stream and drainage density (0.564 km/km2). The stream order is mainly controlled by physiographic and lithological conditions of the area. Spectral indices have been employed to understand the vegetation, wetness, and soil moisture and soil characteristics in the area. The water retention curves of the area have been developed. The spectral indices and morphometric parameters (Dd) shows highly positive correlation. The result has been validated with the aid of borehole/lithology datasets. These quantitative estimates will help in achieving and developing long-term strategies for combating hydrological drought, meteorological drought, climate-related drought, agricultural drought, water mismanagement-related drought, and affected region for preparation of suitable groundwater management plans.

Drainage morphometric analysis for assessing form and processes of the watersheds of Pachamalai hills and its adjoinings, Central Tamil Nadu, India

The present study attempts to understand the form and geomorphic/hydrologic processes of the 20 watersheds of the Pachamalai hills and its adjoinings located in Tamil Nadu State of southern India from the analysis of its drainage morphometric characteristics. Survey of India’s topographic sheets of 1:50,000 is the data source from which stream networks and watersheds of the study area were demarcated followed by the analysis of their morphometric characteristics using ArcGIS software. The results of the analysis formed the basis for deducing the form and processes of the watersheds of the study area. The form of the watersheds inferred from the analysis includes shape, length, slope steepness and length, degree of branching of streams, dissection and elongation of watersheds. The geomorphic/hydrologic processes inferred include denudation rate, potential energy, intensity of erosion, mean annual run off, mean discharge, discharge rate, rock resistivity and infiltration potential, amount of sediment transported, mean annual rainfall, rainfall intensity, lagtime, flash flood potential, flood discharge per unit area, sediment yield and speed of the water flow in the streams. The understanding of variations of form and processes mentioned can be used towards prioritizing the watersheds for development, management and conservation planning.

A GIS-based approach in drainage morphometric analysis of Rihand River Basin, Central India

The study on morphometric attributes of the Rihand River Basin (RRB) in Central India was carried out for characterizing the hydrological response behavior using geographic information system (GIS). The RRB supports production of more than 20,000 MW electricity from coal-based thermal power plants. In light of this the management of RRB becomes paramount to sustain the industrial needs and livelihood of more than two million people in the study area. The Rihand River Basin comprises a dendritic drainage pattern where the maximum number of streams was found in the first order and the stream order increased with decrease in stream number. The mean bifurcation ratio was 1.57 which indicates that the drainage pattern is not affected by structural disturbances. The mean value of stream frequency, drainage density and drainage texture was 0.60 km/km2, 0.06 and 0.03, respectively. These characteristics showed dominance of coarse drainage texture, low runoff, low erosional potential, permeable subsurface material, high vegetation cover and low relief. The elongation ratio and form factor were 0.25 and 0.30, respectively, which suggest elongated shape of the basin having a flatter peak of flow for longer duration. Flood flows of such elongated basin are easier to manage and would be helpful in determining the effect of the catchment characteristics on hydrological assessment of the study area. The dominant slopes were east facing indicating high moisture content and low evaporation in the study area. The slope map revealed gentle and moderate nature which are excellent for groundwater recharge in the RRB.

A Quantitative Morphometric Analysis of Barhar River Watershed of Mahoba district, U.P., India using Remote Sensing and GIS

Objectives: The quantitative morphometric analysis is found to be vital study in understanding hydrological aspects and its interaction with the environment of any watershed system. The main objective of the study is to calculate the morphometric parameters of the Barhar river watershed. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study area lies between 79° 32′ E to 79° 37′ E longitude and 25° 22′ N to 25° 30′ 30′′ N latitude covering an area of about 48.75 km2 belonging to Bundelkhand region. The drainage of the region has been prepared using Survey of India (SOI) toposheet (No.54O/11), Landsat TM and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the area. Remote Sensing (RS), Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) have been used in the study as efficient tools in our various modern geographical and geological studies. Findings: Barhar river watershed belonging to the northern part of Mahoba district is a hard rock terrain consisting mostly granite and granitoids. Rivers flowing in such terrains are mostly found to follow the fractures and lineaments. The watershed is of forth order drainage having drainage density and stream frequency of 2.281 and 2.481 respectively. The watershed shows elongated in nature. The method applied to the river basin gave a recent calculation of the morphometric parameters of the region. Application/Improvements: The drainage morphometric analysis is important in selection of water recharge sites, watershed modelling and groundwater prospect mapping. The study would provide an important information collection regarding future watershed prospects of the area.

Soil erosion assessment for developing suitable sites for artificial recharge of groundwater in drought prone region of Jharkhand state using geospatial techniques

The study demonstrates the identification of site-specific watershed management technique using geospatial technology to enhance the groundwater potential of an area. The soil erosion prioritization evaluated using geoinformatics technique and drainage morphometric analysis highlights the utility of multiresources evaluation in sustainable watershed development. The superimposed thematic layers of land use/land cover, lithology, hydrogeomorphology, drainage, and lineament over the soil erosion variability map helped in suggesting the site-specific location of the water harvesting structures in Daltonganj watershed of Palamu, Jharkhand, India. The spatial variability of the various soil erosion zones indicated that 0.78 and 11.31 km2 are under very high and high soil erosion prone areas, respectively, whereas moderate areas of soil erosion comprised of 11.46 km2 within the Daltonganj watershed. The lower catchment region of the Daltonganj watershed was found to be most prone to very high soil erosion, whereas parts of the lower, middle, and upper catchment regions are significantly prone to high rate of soil erosion. The central regions, however, are low to moderately prone to soil erosion. The quantitative drainage morphometric analysis helped to understand the groundwater situation. The present study thus helped in locating suitable sites for water harvesting structures which include 9 check dams, 31 farm ponds, and 9 nala bunds in the watershed, which will help in efficiently monitoring the soil moisture conservation and groundwater recharge and put a check on soil erosion of the area.

Watershed based drainage morphometric analysis using Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing of Kashmir Valley

Geographical Information System (GIS) has emerged as an efficient tool in delineation of drainage pattern of watershed, planning and management. GIS and image processing techniques can be employed for the identification of morphological features and analyzing properties of basin. The morphometric parameters of basin can address linear, areal and relief aspects. The present study was conducted to evaluate morphometric parameters of Wanpura micro-watersheds of Kashmir Valley. The morphometric parameters were determined to understand the nature, landscape development and hydrologic responses of watershed. Strahler's stream ordering revealed a total 877 number of streams belonging to different orders with the highest order of 4. Drainage network of the basin was of dendritic type, which indicates the homogeneity in texture. The low value of drainage density (5.48) indicates that the region is composed of permeable sub-surface materials, dense vegetation and low mountainous relief causing lower surface runoff, and a lower level of degree of dissection. Low value of bifurcation ratio (1.79) shows that there is little control of structure on the drainage pattern. Low infiltration number value (0.0111 km/km4) indicates the high infiltration capacity of the soil which confirms to the huge vegetative cover of the watershed. This study would help to utilize the resources for sustainable development of the basin area