Quantitative Morphometric Analysis of the Yerla River Basin, Deccan Trap Region, India

Abstract

The evaluation of basin from the drainage morphometric parameters helps in understanding the physical behaviour of the catchments for various purposes. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were used to study quantitative morphometric analysis of the Yerla River basin of basaltic Deccan Trap region, India. Morphometric analysis is carried out using Survey of India topographical maps in ArcGIS software. Thematic maps such as drainage map, stream ordering map, contour map, elevation map, slope map, aspect map and digital elevation model (DEM) are prepared. SRTM data of 90 m spatial resolution is used to create DEM and ASTER data of 30 m spatial resolution is used to create longitudinal profile of the catchment area. Various linear, relief and areal morphometric parameters such as area, perimeter, stream order, stream length, stream number, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, drainage texture, length of basin, form factor, circulatory ratio and elongation ratio are computed. The dendritic type drainage network of the basin exhibits the homogeneity in texture and lack of structural control. The seventh order basin has low drainage density and poor stream frequency indicates coarse drainage. The mean bifurcation ratio indicates a hilly dissected basin. The form factor ratio and circularity ratio shows that the whole basin has an elongated shape. The compactness coefficient value shows less hazardous basin. Sinuosity indices value indicate transitional stage. Morphometric analysis helps to understand the geo-hydrological characteristics of the watershed. It is inevitable in development and management of drainage basin.