geomorphological study of atagad basin, chamoli district, … · this study has been carried out to...

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMATICS AND GEOSCIENCES

Volume 2, No 2, 2011

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research article ISSN 0976 – 4380

Submitted on September 2011 published on November 2011 595

Geomorphological study of Atagad Basin, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand:

GIS and Remote Sensing approaches Khanduri Kamlesh

1, Kumar Satyendra

2

1- D.Phil Research Scholar, Dpt. of Geography, HNBGU, JRF, FSI, Dehradun, India

2- Technical Associate, JRF, Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, India

ABSTRACT

Geomorphology is the science of evolution of landforms in terms of its lithology, structure,

basin geometry and other morphometric factors. The main object is to map the land system

into further various Landform unit and features through geomorphic approach in Atagad

Basin. This study has been carried out to create the geomorphologic parts of Atagad

Catchment. Geomorphologic maps were prepared using Satellite images (Landsat ETM+,TM,

MSS ,SRTM )and digital SOI topographic sheet of the region; this was further updated

during post field work. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation based on topographical

sheet was prepared for creating relief map, slope map and erosion intensity zone as well as

drainage map with the help of topographic sheets, the generation of various thematic layers

has also been developed. Land Use/Cover over the study area has been analyzed for the time

periods of 2008. Various theme maps (erosion intensity, LST) were generated for GIS study

analysis is done to analyze the instability and morphology of the catchment area.

Keywords: DEM, Geomorphology, GIS& Remote Sensing, LST, Land use.

1. Introduction

The Atagad basin is one of the important valleys of Chamoli district. It has an area of 118sq.

km. Attagad The area presents an undulating and rugged terrain with highly mountainous,

precipitous ridges interspaced by deep gorge and Valley.

Area km2 Surface area (3D) km

2 Km

3

119.0 209.2 108.1

Geomorphologically the area is in a young stage and the erosion is comparatively rapid. The

slopes are steep and unstable. Attagad is the main River which crosses the area. Attagad is a

tributary of River Pindar, which is a major tributary of River Alaknanda. Attagad River flows

down from a height of 3119 meters through Malla Chandpur Reserve Forest and joins Pindar

at Simli. Upto the diversion site the length of River is 18.70 km. Attagad is a perennial rain

fed stream. The drainage is basically dendritic to sub dendritic and sub parallel. The River

bed is full of large boulders. The rocks of the area are represented by Garhwal Group, which

forms the major part of the lesser Himalaya. It is represented by low grade metasediments

consisting of quartzite with penecontemporaneous metavolcanics and carbonate rocks.

2. Study Area

The Atagad basin which is one of the important basin of Chamoli district,Uttarakhand . It has

an area of 119sq. km., approximately extending from 30o 5’ 28” to 30

o 13’ 45” N latitude and

79o

6’ 27” to 79o

15’ 40” E longitude.

Geomorphological study of Atagad Basin, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand: GIS and Remote Sensing

approaches

Khanduri Kamlesh

International Journal of Geomatics and Geosciences

Volume 2 Issue 2, 2011 596

Satellites Data

Landsat(ETM,TM,MSS)&SRTM

Topographic Sheets Geometric Correction

Subset Catchment Area Prepare Landuse Cover

Map

Create DEM

Relief Map Slope Map Aspect Map 3D Map

Flow Chart of Methodology

Figure 1: Location Map of Study Area

3. Methodology

Methodology is a sequence of activities that starts with the decision making, problem

recognition and ends with recommendation. The quality of decision making depends on

sequence on which the activities are undertaken. The details of the methodology are

described below.


approaches

Khanduri Kamlesh



4. Results & Discussions

This study Based on a brief reconnaissance survey with added information from previous

research in the study area, a classification scheme was developed for the study area after

Anderson et al., (1967). The classification scheme developed gives a broad classification

where the land use, LST and DEM were identified by a single digit. The results are presented

in form of maps, charts and statistical tables.

4.1 Relief and Slope Classification of Study Area

Relief morphology of Atagad river basin describes variation of elevation between the highest

and the lowest point (2500m-500m). Slope maps were prepared from the digital elevation

model DEM and topographic map of hazards. Here slope has been classified into six classes:

i) 0-100, ii) 10-20, iii) 20-35

0, iv) 35-50

0, v) 50- 65

0 and vi) 65- to above.Table.1 and Figure.2

represent the relief & slope classification of Atagad Basin. The slope is the gradient of the

land, and is generally expressed in percent or degree. Alaknanda Basin maintains its

distinctiveness for moderate & high slopes 200- 50

0 representing 78.4% area of the basin.

Whereas, slopes above 500

-650 are occupied only 5.1% (steep slope) of the Alaknanda Basin

(Khanduri, 2011).

Figure 2: Relief & Slope Classification of Alaknanda Basin

Table 1: Atagad Basin Relief and Slope Classification

Height in Meters Percent % Slope in Degree Percent (%)

Below -500 0.10 Below -10 3.90

500-1000 1.30 10-20 12.50

1000-1500 25.90 20-35 45.90

1500-2000 46..00 35-50 32.50

2000-2500 23.50 50-65 1.60

Above -2500 3.10 Above -65 3.50


approaches

Khanduri Kamlesh



4.2 Land Surface Temperature (LST) Classification

The classified Landsat TM(Thematic Layer) imagery of October 1990-2005 indicates an

obvious gradual thermal change or LST . Wasteland and vacant land have also highest LST

(220C-24

0C) . The vegetation covers area, water bodies and cultivated land have the least

with (140C-22

0C). Temperature increased by 1.02

0 during these 15 years period (1990-2005).

Table.2 and Figure.3 depicts the Land Surface temperature (LST) change for the year 1990-

2005 in Atagad Catchment area.

Table 2: Land Surface Temperature Classification for the Year (1990-2005)

Class of

Temp.(C0)

Atagad Temp.1990 (%) Atagad Temp. 2005(%)

Below-10 20.41 1.4

10-20 34.17 43.92

15-20 26.79 31.63

20-25 17.17 19.63

Above-25 1.45 3.79

Figure 3: Landsurface Temperature Classification of Alaknanda Basin

4.3 Landuse & Landcover Classification

Land use and land cover mapping of Atagad has been carried out standard methods of

analysis of remotely sensed data and followed by ground truth collection and interpretation of

satellite data. Land use planning (LUP) approach needs more and more data integration,

multi-disciplinary and complex analysis, and need faster or more precise information for the

participants in the LUP approaches. Here Land use and land cover mapping are given below

in Table. 3 & Figure.4.


approaches

Khanduri Kamlesh



Table 3: Landuse Types in Selected Catchments

Class Atagad %

Dense forest 30.00

Open forest 32.30

Scrub land 10.00

Barren land 4.90

Agricultural land 23.10

Figure 3: Landuse\ Landcover Classification of Alaknanda Basin

4.4 Erosion Intensity Classification

The erosion intensity model was produced and then the zones are assigned to each feature in

a map layer according to the frequency of occurrence of intensity such as landslides,

earthquake, flash flood etc. Erosion intensity highly precisely and process erosion

classification of the Remote Sensing images highly efficiently. The thematic map could be

prepared in a shorter period than manual processing with the help of GIS analysis technique

(Hao Jie, 2002). The present erosion intensity zone analysis has categorized into five

different zones i.e Very High, High, Moderate, Gentle and Very Gentle. Very high zone is

covering 11.33% of the total area. 20.67% and 15.57% area is included in high and very high

zone as mention below Table.4 & Figure.5.


approaches

Khanduri Kamlesh



Table 4: Erosion Intensity Class of Alaknanda Basin

Erosion Intensity

Zones

Atagad Catchment Bhyunder Ganga

I Very gentle Dense Forest, Shrubs Dense Forest, Snow, Shrubs,

Alpine

II Gentle Open Forest Open Forest

III Moderate Agriculture, Scrub Agriculture, Scrub

IV High Settlement, Bridge, River Settlement, River, Perennial

V Very High Roads ,Bridge ,Barren land Roads ,Barren land ,Bridge

Figure 5: Erosion Intensity Class or Zone of Alaknanda Basin

5. Conclusion

This small study it is observed that geomorphological study has several advantages. The

geomorphological parameters estimated may be utilized for testing geomorphic model as a

DEM, LST etc. It will be of great use to policy makers, rural or villages planners, in

preparing proper village plans, slope stability plan, disaster management plan and prevention

for natural hazards and manmade hazards. Besides, its drainage designers to layout drains

conforming and hydro projects probabilities, as well as creation of other infrastructure

facilities like laying out of roads, national parks, reserve forest and many more projects and

Government Plans.

Acknowledgement

Author are thankful to Prof. Kamlesh Kumar (Rtd.) and Dr. L.P.Lakhera(Assit. Profeesor)

Dept. of Geography, HNBG University, Srinagar Garhwal , Uttarakhand for their suggestion

and necessary supervision.


approaches

Khanduri Kamlesh



6. References

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4. Environmental Impact & Management Plan for Alaknanda H.E.

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5. Geomorphological Study of Devak Basin, CS\AR-33/1998-99, National Institute of

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analysis of Mandakini River Basin, Garhwal Himalaya, Rudraprayag District,

Uttarakhand, India” International journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical

Research, Issue 1, Vol 2, pp.138-145.

8. Khanduri Kamlesh, (2007-2011) A Geographical Study of Hazards & Disaster

Management in Uttrakhand : With Reference to Chamoli District, Unpublished

D.Phil Thesis, H.N.B.G.University.

9. Khanduri Kamlesh, et.al, "Geomorphic Evaluation of Valley of Flower Region

Bhyunder Ganga Cathchment, Chamoli District,Uttarakhand Using: Remote Sensing

and GIS Technology", Earth Science Journal, Toronto,Canada, Vol 1(1) February

2012, pp 114-120.

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its Environs , Indian Cartographer, pp 104-105.

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