Geomorphological Analysis and Hydrological Potential Zone of Baira River Watershed , Churah in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh , India

In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the quantitative geomorphological analysis and hydrological characterization of 95 micro-watersheds (MWS) of Baira river watershed in Himachal Pradesh, India with an area of 425.25 Km. First time in the world, total 173 morphometric parameters have been generated in a single watershed using satellite remote sensing data (i.e. IRS-P6 ResourceSAT-1 LISSIII, LandSAT-7 ETM+, and LandSAT-8 PAN & OLI merge data), digital elevation models (i.e. IRS-P5 CartoSAT-1 DEM, ASTER DEM data), and soI topographical maps of 1: 50,000 scale. The ninety-five micro-watersheds (MWS) of Baira river watershed have been prioritized through the morphometric analysis of different morphometric parameters (i.e. drainage network, basin geometry, drainage texture analysis, and relief characterizes ). The study has concurrently established the importance of geomorphometry as well as the utility of remote sensing and GIS technology for hydrological characterization of the watershed and there for better resource and environmental managements. © 2017 Tim Pengembang Jurnal UPI Article History: Received 03 January 2017 Revised 12 January 2017 Accepted 17 February 2017 Available online 01 April 2017 ____________________ Keyword: Geomorphometric analysis, hydrological characterization, remote sensing and GIS analysis, micro-watershed assessment. Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology Journal homepage: http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/ijost/ Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology 2 (1) (2017) 26-49 Kuldeep Pareta1 & Upasana Pareta. Geomorphological Analysis and Hydrological... | 27 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17509/ijost.v2i1 pISSN 2528-1410 eISSN 2527-8045


INTRODUCTION
Geomorphometry is the science ''which treats the geometry of the landscape", and quantitative procedure of the land surface.(Chorley et al., 1957) Morphometry is the quantitative analysis of the conformation of the earth's surface, shape and dimension of its landforms.The field of geomorphology fundamentally characterizes the topographical appearance of land by way of area, slope, shape, length, etc.A major highlighting in geomorphology over the past several decades has been on the development of quantitative physiographic methods to describe the evolution and behavior of surface drainage networks (Horton, 1945;Abrahams, 1984).Some quantitative approaches have been documented to identify the basin drainage characteristics, and for sympathetic of various hydrological processes.The morphometric characteristics at the watershed scale may contain important information regarding its formation development and spatiotemporal variations because all hydrologic and geomorphic processes occur within the watershed.The quantitative measurement of landforms has become the current trust of geomorphology.Earlier, it has been well attempted by various hydrologists, geologists and geomorphologists.(Horton, 1932;Horton, 1945;Potter, 1957;Schumm, 1956;Mueller, 1968;Sutherland & Bryan, 1991; Rahmat & Mutolib, 2016) Morphometry is potentially a most important approach to geomorphology, since it affords quantitative information on large scale fluvial landforms, which make up the vast majority of earth configuration.
Micro-watershed is the fundamental unit in hydrology; consequently, geomorphometric analysis at microwatershed scale is helpful and better rather carries it out on completes it on particular channel or inconsistent segment areas.Hydrologic and geomorphic strategies happen contained by the watershed, and morphometric characterization at the watershed scale reveals data considering formation and improvement of land exterior methods (Dar et al., 2013) and thusly is responsible of a comprehensive comprehension into the hydrologic behaviour of a watershed.Additionally, some of the morphometric parameters, for example, circularity proportion and bifurcation ratio are input parameters in the hydrograph examination (Jain et al., 2000;Angillieri, 2008) and assessment of surface water capability of an area (Suresh et al., 2004).In this point of view, this study covers a better thoughtful of hydrologic conduct of the study area and the geomorphometric analysis of micro-watersheds (MWS) for hydrological scenario evaluation and characterization Baira river watershed, Churah in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the quantitative geomorphological analysis and hydrological characterization of 95 micro-watersheds (MWS) of Baira river watershed in Himachal Pradesh, India with an area of 425.25 km 2 .First time in the world total 173 morphometric parameters have been generated in a single watershed by using satellite remote sensing data i.e.IRS-P6 ResourceSAT-1 LISS-III, LandSAT-7 ETM + and LandSAT-8 PAN & OLI merge data, digital elevation models i.e.IRS-P5 CartoSAT-1 DEM, ASTER DEM data, and SoI topographical maps of 1: 50,000 scale.

STUDY AREA
The watershed area of Baira River is 425.25 kms 2 & located between 32.85 N to 33.02 N latitude and 76.02 E to 76.38 E longitudes (see Figure 1).The river Baira originates from the Sach Pass of Churah tehsil of Chamba district at a height of 5268 m, flows towards south, south-east and finally joins the river Makkan at Buin village of Chaurah tehsil of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.Baira river is 19.07 Kms long, however there is only one main tributaries of the right bank of Baira river i.e.Malin Nadi, there are some major tributaries pouring into the left bank river, notable amongst there are Cheni Nala, Trishan Nala, Tabriyali Nala, Bhusandu Nala and Chhawed Nala.The study area falls in Survey of India (1:50,000) toposheets No. 52C/04 (I 3Q/04), 52 /08 (I43Q/08), 52D/01 (I43W/01) and 52D/05 (I43W/05).According to new watershed codification system (Pareta & Pareta, 2014), total 95 micro-watershed (MWS) has covered the whole study area.

DATA USED, SOURCES AND METHODOLOGY
Different type of data has been used for this study.Data from satellite remote sensing are: LandSAT-7 ETM + , ResourceSAT-1 LISS-III, and LandSAT-8 OLI & PAN, ASTER (DEM), CartoSAT-1 (DEM), and other ancillary data i.e.Survey of India (SoI) topographical map at 1: 50,000 scale and geological map (GSI) have been collected from concern agency.The details of different data layers along with its sources and methodology are given in Table 1 Tabel 1. Data used, sources, and methodology
According to them, the study area watershed is situated in the international channel.The water division's code is "A" all drainage flowing into Arabian sea (A), "AS11" Indus river; water sub-divisions code is "A1" all drainage flowing into Arabian sea from north India; basin code is "Id" for Indus river; sub-basin code is "RVI" for Ravi river.They have classified the entire Ravi sub-basin into "8" major watersheds i.e.AS11A1Id(RVI)1 to AS11A1Id(RVI)8.They study area is located in the major watershed of AS11A1Id(RVI)7.This watershed future has classified into "12" sub-watersheds and symbolized as AS11A1Id(RVI)7a to AS11A1Id(RVI)7l.Authors have selected 3 sub-watersheds namely AS11A1Id(RVI)7d, AS11A1Id(RVI)7e and AS11A1Id(RVI)7f for this study.Under the above stated subwatersheds total "95" micro-watershed has been identified and shown in Fig. 2. The completed code for a micro-watershed with eight digits is represented as "AS11A1Id(RVI)7f3", as an example of a micro-watershed of Ravi sub-basin, where "AS11" represents Indian Sub-Continent Largest Transboundary, "A" for Water Division, "1" for Water Sub-Division, "Id" for Basin, "RVI" for Sub-Basin, "7" for Watershed, "f" for Sub-Watershed, and "3" for Micro-Watershed.

GEOLOGY
A systematic geomorphic study has been attempted for the terrain classification and their significance with the aid of satellite imagery, digital terrain model and surface characters in the study area.Presently, the knowledge of the geomorphology of the region is very sketchy and hence an appraisal of terrain types, drainage basin, river valleys and the morphometric study to understand the history of geomorphic evolution in this part of the Himalayan belt has been brought out to assist in the study basin management.The gamut of geomorphic description of study area in the region initially dictates the need for understanding the geologic events reflecting the relief and hence the paper highlights first the rock description along with their influence on basin management.
Various folks are studies the geological aspects of the study area (Tomlinson, 1925;De Terra, 1939;Krishnan & Aiyengar, 1940;Woodroffe, 1981;Boison & Patton, 1985).They have recorded the primary rock formations namely (i) Chamba Formation: Slate, Phyllite Carbonaceous Slate and Quartzite; (ii) Katarigali Formation: Dark Grey Slate, Micaceous Sandstone and Quartzite; and (iii) Manjir Formation: Slate, Shale, Sandstone and Limestone.The mountain blocks in the study area are composed of a series of differing architectural elements represented by sedimentary, metamorphosed sediments and igneous massifs in the following tectonic sequence.The study area lies between the two high mountain ranges, i.e. the Dhauladhar Range in the southwest and the Zanskar Range or the Great Himalayan Range in the northwest.Stratigraphic sequence of the study area is shown in

METHOD FOR GEOLOGICAL MAPPING
The methods adopted for this research work is divided into two aspects namely field and lab operations.The field operation is essentially geologic mapping of the study area to determine the underlying lithologic units.The geologic mapping was carried out at a scale of 1:50,000 using grid-controlled sampling method at a sampling density of one sample per 9 km 2 for the collection of stream sediments and rock samples.The location map of field data collection is shown in Figure 3.Total fourty-three (43) rock and stream sediment samples were obtained.The rock samples were collected from different localities in the studied area, after which they were labelled accordingly to avoid mix up.The geographical location of each outcrop was determined with the aid of a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and the lithologic and field description and features characteristic of each sample were correctly recorded in the field notebook.Six distinct lithological units were recognized in the studied area which were compiled to produce a geological map, which are the slate, micaceous sandstone, quartzite, shale, phyllite carbonaceous slate and limestone.The major structure in the area is an anticline, syncline, fault, fractures, joints and lineaments, which are visible on the lithology in the studied area.
For lab operations, a published geological map from Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been used for preparation of geological map of the study area.This geological map has been update through the satellite remote sensing data i.e.LandSAT

APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY
The term of applied geomorphology implies the utilization of our geomorphological information in fervor of the general public or the humankind in general.This science demonstration like a bridge to some of the gaps that have segregated the several disciplines of the geomorphology.It covers those aspects of the geomorphology that are specifically related with environment issues and decision making processes which are of value of agricultural researchers, engineers, geologists and hydrologists and in addition geomorphologists.
The key application of geomorphology in the study area has been observed.for example, soil erosion, various types of slope failure, river floods, volcanoes, earth-quakes and faulting as natural hazards.Now and then we found the result of the utilization of main procedures impulsively somehow, specifically, if there is an occurrence of soil erosion and man-made problem.Earthquakes (natural problems) in such conditions can be the role of expert geomorphologist that comes in picture since they would be able to measure of comprehension of the combinations of occasions that created the hazards.
Satellite remote sensing data, aerial photographs, digital elevation model and digital terrain model is an important tool for preparation of geomorphological map.The geomorphological map is can be prepared from small scale 1:1 million to a larger scale of 1:1,000 but it is depending on the scope, scale, purpose and nature of problems the geomorphological map.The detailed geomorphological map of the study area has been prepared through visual image interpretation of satellite data (i.e.IRS-P6 ResourceSAT-1 LISS-III, LandSAT-7 ETM + and LandSAT-8 PAN & OLI merge data) (See Figure 5), digital elevation models (i.e.IRS-P5 CartoSAT-1 DEM, ASTER DEM data), soI topographical maps of 1: 50,000 scale, and GSI geological map (structural and lithological).
The various geomorphic units and their component were identified and mapped (Figure 6).The important geomorphic units, their lithology and description/ characteristics are shown in Table 3.

MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Horton and Strahler were the first geomorphologists, who measured the various morphometric parameters of river basin.(Horton, 1945;Strahler, 1952) Morphometric analysis is the mathematical measurement of configuration of the earth surface, shape, and dimension of its landforms in a given drainage basin.Landforms and morphometric analyses are significant in the study of geomorphology with the quantitative measurements of physical characteristics of landforms to understand the structure, processes and evolution of landscape.It is also help to comprehension the hydrological behavior of drainage basin and controlled the predominantly climate, geology, geomorphology, structural backgrounds of the river basin.
The morphometric characteristics at the river basin scale may contain essential information in regards to its formation and development since all hydrologic and geomorphic processes occur within the river basin.The relationship between various morphometric parameters and the abovementioned factors are well recognized by various geomorphologists (Rich, 1916;Wenthworth, 1930;Horton, 1932;Strahler, 1952;Taylor & Schwarz, 1952;Potter, 1957;Schumm, 1956;Chorley, 1957;Hack, 1957;Melton, 1958;Farvolden, 1963 Surkan , 1967;Faniran, 1968;Mueller, 1968;Black, 1972;Moore & Thornes, 1976;Patton & Baker, 1976;Pareta, 2004).They have documented that relations are very significant between hydrological characteristics, geological and geomorphic characteristics of river basin system.Several key hydrologic phenomena can be linked with the physiographic characteristics of river basin such as size, shape, geometry, drainage density, relief, slope of drainage area, size and length of the contributories etc. (Rastogi & Sharma, 1976).The quantitative analysis of morphometric parameters is found to be of huge utility in river basin evaluation, watershed prioritization for soil and water conservation and natural resources management.The morphometric analysis of the Baira river watershed has been carried out based on satellite remote sensing data (i.e.IRS-P6 ResourceSAT-1 LISS-III, LandSAT-7 ETM + and LandSAT-8 PAN & OLI merge data), digital elevation models (i.e.IRS-P5 CartoSAT-1 DEM, ASTER DEM data), and soI topographical maps of 1: 50,000 scale.The drainage network with stream order has been generated by using above stated DEM data and rectified its using SoI topographical maps through ArcGIS-10.3software.Stream ordering has been generated using (Strahler, 1952)   inter-relationship of morphometric parameters are help to understanding the terrain characteristics for hydrological potential at micro-watershed level as well watershed management and planning.
A correlation matrix Table 5 of Baira river watershed and its 95 micro-watershed (MSW) has been generated with the selected 13 morphometric parameters (i.e.Area (A), perimeter (P), stream number (Nu), stream length (Lu), form factor (Ff), shape factor (Sf), elongation ratio (Re), texture ratio (Rt), circularity ratio (Rc), drainage texture (Dt), stream frequency (Fs), drainage density (Dd), length of overland flow (Lg)).The preliminary observation is confirmed by the statistics as shown in Table 5; furthermost of the morphometric parameters of the Baira river watershed are showing a positive correlation with each other that means these parameters are codependent on another, except shape factor and length of overland flow.Shape factor and length of overland flow are demonstrating a negative relationship with other morphometric parameters implies these parameters are independent and it is possible to compelling by different components.

HYDROLOGICAL POTENTIALITY ZONE
Keeping in mind to identify, categorize, arrange and delineate hydrological potentiality zone in the Baira river watershed, a thorough comprehensive analysis was attempted, which takes several MSW level geo-morphometric parameters map composites into thought by method for integrating and evaluating them based on specific criteria employed.Several thematic data layers have been generated and integrated based on the weightage criteria produced for determination of the hydrological potential zones for surface water, and additionally groundwater investigation in the Baira river watershed.The weightages were relegated to the themes and units relying on their significance of hydrological potentiality area.Hydrological potentiality zones of the Baira river watershed has been generated by using ArcGIS 10.3 software in the model builder module, which has allowed for the amalgamation of different data layers.Weightage criteria used for generation of hydrological potentiality zones are shown in the Table 6.

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Location map of the study area

Figure 3 .
Figure 3. Location map of field data collection

Tabel 5 .
Correlation matrix of morphometric parameters4.CONCLUSIONMorphometric analysis of watersheds involves the quantification of the drainage network and related parameters such as drainage area, gradient and relief.Quantitative geomorphology finds helpful applications in hydrological investigations related with the flow regime, the rates of erosion and sediment production from watershed.Quantitative Morphometric analysis plays vital role in prediction of hydrological investigations, assessing the sediment yield and to appraise soil erosion rates.The present work is an attempt to carry out a detailed study of linear, areal and relief morphometric parameters in the Baira river watershed, utilizing synergistically the conventional methods and innovative methods i.e.Remote Sensing and GIS.Drainage morphometry of a watershed and micro-watershed (MSW) reflects hydrogeologic development of that river.Satellite remote sensing data has a capacity of getting the succinct perspective of an expansive region at one time, which is extremely helpful in analysing the drainage morphometry.GIS has demonstrated to be an effective device in drainage delineation and this drainage has been utilized as a part of the present study.Frist time in the world total 173 morphometric parameters has been analysed of a single watershed through the measurement of linear, areal and relief aspects of the watershed.Remote Sensing techniques have contributed and will continue contributing tremendously to the state of knowledge about the geomorphometric analysis of microwatersheds as well as the hydrological scenario assessment and characterization of the watershed and there for better resource and environmental managements.