Morphotectonic and Morphometric Analysis of the Nirguna (Bhikund) River Watershed of Akola and Washim Districs, Maharashtra, India, Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

The morphotectonic parameters, also known as the Geomorphic Indices of Active Tectonics (GIAT), are utilised to evaluate the impact of the tectonic setting on the Nirguna (Bhikund) River watershed. A tributary of the Man River is the Nirguna (Bhikund) River. Morphotectonic indices are frequently used to detect areas affected by recent tectonic deformation because they have been shown to be effective tools for assessing the level and kind of tectonic activity in a given location. The consequences of neotectonic activity across a wide area can be identified and quantified with the help of remote sensing and GIS tools. In order to comprehend the continuing tectonic changes of the landscape as a result of neotectonic activity, the analysis has been conducted using SRTM and DEM data.  The drainage and structures of geology present in the area is mainly controlled by the underlying lithology. The basin's asymmetry stems from the overall inclination of the ground towards the west. Here the work carried to examine the morphometry of drainage, and influence of it on processes of landform, soil and land erosion and basaltic flows which are exposed in the Nirguna (Bhikund) River watershed. The drainage pattern of the study area is mainly of sub dendritic type based on the drainage network. The relief ratio value indicates the steep gradient and vice versa in the study area also the values of the stream order, bifurcation ratio, elongation ratio etc. indicates the linear parameters of the study area.