Unraveling geomorphometric anomalies in the Lolab basin of Kashmir Himalaya and its role in shaping sustainable land use policies

Abstract

Abstract The Himalayas significantly impact local and regional hydro-sedimentary processes and weathering rates. Utilizing geomorphometric anomalies offers insights into the connections between topographic factors and rates of cation weathering and sedimentary flux. An empirical model RS-GIS tool was used to compute the runoff and weathering rates of the basin. The 6th-order Lolab River with 451 different lower-order streams is dominated by dendritic to semi-dendritic draining patterns with the presence of steep slopes. The linear aspects of the basin showed the drainage pattern is influenced by geological and lithological factors. Additionally, other parameters such as rotundity factor, circulation factor, compactness coefficient, and elongation ratio indicate an elongated shape, reduced peak flow, and a complex structure. The significant reduction in Runoff (Q) and Sediment Production Rate (SPR) within the Lolab basin, measuring 4.61 sq km-cm/sq km and 0.17 ha-m/100-sq km/year respectively, suggests minimal runoff and reduced soil erosion. These findings can provide valuable information about weathering, erosion, and sediment delivery processes. This data helps understand how environmental changes and natural hazards affect the fragile Himalayan landscape and aids in regional land management decisions for sustainable land use policies.

Keywords

• Geomorphology
• Soil erosion
• Weathering
• Land use policies
• Himalayas