Discharge estimation from planform characters of the Shedhi River, Gujarat alluvial plain: Present and past

Abstract

In the absence of long-term hydrologic and streamflow records an understanding of river morphology (present and past) can help delineate changes in magnitudes of water and sediment discharges. The relict drainage system of Gujarat alluvial plain provides an opportunity to reconstruct the palaeochannel morphology-related discharge estimations. In this paper, based on the geomorphological evidence and channel geometry, an attempt has been made to reconstruct the palaeohydrological condition in the Shedhi River during the Holocene. A comparison of the present day channel of the Shedhi River with that of its palaeo, counterpart reveals that the former was carrying much higher bankfull discharge (∼5500 m3 s-1) as compared to the present (∼200 m3 s-1). This is attributed to a larger drainage area and enhanced precipitation in the Shedhi River basin. © Printed in India.