Geospatial Assessment of Morphometric Characteristics of a Watershed in the Pravara River Basin

Abstract

Watershed morphometric analysis provides a quantitative basis for evaluating drainage geometry, basin form and relief characteristics that influence runoff behaviour and erosion susceptibility. This study assessed the morphometric characteristics of a selected watershed in the Pravara River Basin, Maharashtra, India, using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques. A 30 m Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model was used for watershed delineation, drainage-network extraction and computation of linear, areal and relief parameters. The watershed was divided into three sub-watersheds, and morphometric indices were derived following standard methods. The drainage network showed a dendritic pattern, with SW1 and SW3 attaining sixth-order streams and SW2 attaining fifth-order streams. A total of 1,373 stream segments were identified, with first-order streams accounting for the largest proportion. The mean bifurcation ratio was 3.45, indicating a well-developed drainage system with moderate structural control. The areal parameters indicated an elongated basin form, with a mean form factor of 0.48, elongation ratio of 0.78 and circularity ratio of 0.29. The mean drainage density and stream frequency were 3.10 km/km² and 11.62 streams/km², respectively. Relief parameters, including mean basin relief of 817 m and ruggedness number of 2.956, indicated moderately rugged terrain with varying erosion susceptibility. The study provides useful morphometric information for watershed planning, soil and water conservation and sustainable water-resource management.