Grid based Morphometric analysis using GIS techniques - A case study on Bhatkuli Taluka, Amravati District, and Maharashtra

Abstract

Morphometric analysis was carried out with the help of Geographical Information System
(GIS) technique which evaluates the various valuable parameters for the Bhatkuli Taluka,
Amravati district, Maharashtra. The study area is covered by (89 %) of quaternary alluvium
and rest of the part is covered with Deccan trap Basalts. Under this present study, grid
based morphometric analysis were carried out by using ArcGIS 9.3 software, to achieve the
morphometric results .The study area was divided into 4 kmX4 Km sq.km, in grid pattern to
start with; then for each grid the linear, aerial and relief aspects have been investigated for
evaluating the stream behaviour, morphometric setting of streams within the drainage
system, to study the hydrogeology, lithology, and geomorphology etc. of the area under study.
Relief aspects are studied with help by Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), which was also
used for visual interpretation, analysis of topography, landforms and modelling of surface
processes. Further from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), the slope map was prepared by
using GIS technique. The drainage in study area show dendritic drainage pattern and VIth
order stream revealing the homogeneity in texture and lack of structural control. The
Hypsometric integral determined for the Bhatkuli taluka is 77.77 which suggest that the
streams of study area are still in youth stage and therefore no structures need to be designed
as it would cause silting problem. The overall studies stand significant in light of
morphometric analysis carried out effectively by using remote sensing and GIS technique
than the traditional method, which is time consuming. The methodology adopted in the
present paper provides a user friendly environment and a powerful tool for interpretation
and analysis.