Geomorphological Analysis of Ayad River Basin, Udaipur (India) using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract

Geomorphological analysis is useful for managing land resources and aid in resource inventory, mapping, and management for a variety of purposes. The science of geomorphology is now better able to comprehend surface dynamics because to recent improvements in remote sensing and GIS, the availability of satellite-based DEM, and improvements in mathematical modelling skills. The study is emphasis on utilization of secondary data which have been compiled from different sources e.g. SOI, USGS, NBSS&LUP, GSI. LULC, drainage, river-lake link, soil, geology, landform, geomorphology have been analyzed based on satellite imagery, DEM, toposheet, and other secondary data. Dendritic and sub-dendritic drainage pattern is common in Ayad basin and drainage density is ranging between 0.46 and 3.45 (Km/Km²). Eight artificial lakes are linked together in a chain in the saucer-shaped valley, which is the first historic river linking project in India. Lithology ranging in age from Archaean to Upper Proterozoic are present and belong to three geological cycles - Bhilwara, Aravalli, and Delhi supergroups. Landforms of the area are mainly lower-flat, and ridge cover only 13% of the area. A very detailed geomorphological map has developed by visual image interpretation of satellite imagery, DEM data, toposheets, geological map and classified in 13 broad geomorphic units, and 63 micro-geomorphic units. Through the percentage hypsometric curve method, the hypsometric integral is 27% which indicates the old stage of the basin.