Morphometric Analysis of Waghora Micro Watershed of Jam River Basin Using ALOS-PALSAR DEM

Abstract

Intergrating Remote sensing and Geographic Information System(GIS) Proves useful for Evaluating and understanding morphometric parameters, especially Watershed Management of - Soil and Water Conservation at microlevel for sustainable Natural Resource management. The Linear , Areal and Relief characteristics of the basins Drainage can be analytsed Morphometrically. In this investigation, geospatial techniques were employed to assess the hydrological features of the Waghora Micro watershed within the Jam River basin, covering an area of 13.03 km². Utilizing the ALOS-PALSAR RTC DEM -12.5 m resolution, the basin and drainage network were delineated using ArcGIS software. The analysis revealed a dendritic drainage pattern within the Waghora micro-watershed, with drainage streams delineated up to the fourth order. The ratio of bifurcation (Rb) can be ranged within ~ 3 - 4.66, with an mean average of 3.76, showcases Geologic Structures are undistorted and the drainage system sorted by moderate peaks and lower orer streams. Additional morphometric parameters were assessed, using Form-factor(Rf), Circulatory-Ratio(Rc), and finally Elongation-Ratio(Re) values of 0.32, 0.68, and 0.62 respectively. This is a clear indication of Micro watershed being moderately Elongated with time. The Estimated Relief, Relief Ratio(Rr), relative Relief (RR) and Ruggedness Ratio Number were determined to be 75 m, 1.2, 0.97, respectively, indicating a moderate erosion potential. Overall, the study underscores the necessity for implementing – Soil and Water Conservation measures to be taken within the watershed. These findings hold significant implications for various stakeholders, including managers and decision-makers involved in Management of Watersheds and Conservation of the Natural resources using sustainable initiatives.