GIS and Remote Sensing based, Hydrological variations study in the Alaknanda River basin, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Abstract Geomorphic features and drainage characteristics of Alaknanda River sub-basin was carried out with the help of morphometric analysis. The Alaknanda valley in the Garhwal Himalaya has been considered most suitable for morphometric analysis. The Alaknanda covering a basin area of more than 10,800 square kms, extending from 300 to 30047’ N latitude and 790 to 79049’ E longitude. Various areal, linear and relief parameters were calculated to assess drainage basin characteristics quantitatively, determine infiltration and surface runoff behaviour control of drainage. The drainage morphometric analysis incorporating number, length, frequency and density of streams, formulation of basin with respect to their length, width, total area, elongation and correlation of all these with lithology and structures were carried out. The drainage network was analyzed using IRS-PAN satellite data and Survey of India toposheets. The circularity ratio indicates sub-elongated shape of basin. Stream segments development in the basin is controlled by local relief and slope. The bifurcation ratio indicates disparity of bifurcation between different stream orders owing to structural control. The study will be helpful for making soil erosion prevention strategies and its conservation and facilitate the understanding of water retention function in river basins.