Morphotectonic and Morphometric analysis of Vishav Basin left bank Tributary of Jhelum River SW Kashmir Valley India

Abstract

Morphotectonics interplays between the landscape development and the tectonics. Usually, the development of many geomorphic features has been related solely to exogenic and nontectonic causes but many of them are developed mainly due to the prevailing tectonic forces in the area. In the present study the Vishav basin located in the NW-Himalayas has been selected for the morphotectonic study as Vishav is considered as one of the largest contributors to the Jhelum River. The different geomorphic indices were calculated using satellite data and toposheets. The calculated geomorphic indices were then used in accessing the tectonics of the study area. The parameters like mountain front sinuosity, hypsometry and the sinuosity index provide clues about the ample work of the tectonics in the area. The development of triangular facets in the area is also the indicator of the tectonic work in the area. Lithological variations and/or tectonic uplift have led to the development of knick-points and abruptly high SL index value. Morphotectonic analysis shows that the tectonic uplift, lithology and climate forcing played an interdependent role in the landscape evolution of the Vishav basin. Thus, the results of the present study will provide clues about the tectonic activity and may initiate some thoughts about the futuristic ramifications of the geomorphic activity operating in the Vishav drainage basin.

Keywords

• Vishav basin
• morphotectonics
• knick point
• morphometric analysis
• satellite data