Evaluation of morphometric parameters and hypsometric curve of Arkavathy river basin using RS and GIS techniques

Abstract

Abstract Water availability and water scarcity in a river basin are influenced by the geomorphological processes occurring within a river basin. Therefore, quantitative evaluation of the river basin shape provides a crucial lead in assessment of the impact of geomorphological processes on the hydrology of the basin. Arkavathy river basin has been selected for the present study. The basin with an annual average rainfall of 874.87 mm is a persistent water scarce basin located in Cauvery river basin in south India. The basin has been subjected to rapid urbanization due to which there is an increased water demand over a period of time. Hence, to tackle the growing water scarcity and reoccurrence of droughts in the basin, an attempt has been made in the present study to investigate and understand the basin morphometry and derivation of hypsometric curve of Arkavathy river basin using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Quantitative evaluation of basin morphometry has been made, and the impact of basin morphometry on the peak runoff and flooding in the basin has been assessed. The basin hypsometric curve has aided in assessment of the erosion status of the basin and its impact on the risk of sedimentation on water bodies. The morphometric parameters and hypsometric curve are then analysed to investigate the potential impact of the basin morphometry on the water availability and water scarcity afflicting the basin.

Keywords

• Morphometry
• Hypsometric curve
• Drainage basin
• Geomorphology
• Hydrology