Geocarto International

Vol. 26, No. 7, November 2011, 553568

Hypsometric analysis of Kali River Basin, Karnataka, India,

using geographic information system
Vipin Joseph Markose and K.S. Jayappa*

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

Department of Marine Geology, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri,

Mangalore 574199, India
(Received 5 September 2010; nal version received 25 July 2011)
Hypsometric analysis is useful for understanding the geomorphic stages of a river
basin. Hypsometric parameters have been evaluated and curves are prepared
for all the 20 sub-basins of Kali River. Thirteen sub-basins are found to be under
younger geomorphic stages with high hypsometric integral (Ea) values and
subjected to recent tectonic activities. The remaining seven sub-basins are
approaching mature stage and subjected to more erosion and less impacted by
recent tectonic activities. Six sub-basins with lower hypsometric head values
(50.56) indicate least eect of diusive processes and another six sub-basins with
medium hypsometric head values (0.600.68) depict moderate diusive erosion.
The remaining eight sub-basins with higher hypsometric head values (40.75)
indicate highest diusive processes at their upper reaches. Lower (50.28) and
higher (40.44) hypsometric toe values indicate minimum and maximum mass
accumulation respectively at the sub-catchment mouth.
Keywords: hypsometric analysis; Kali River; geomorphic stages; geographical
information system

1. Introduction
Hypsometry means relative proportion of an area at dierent elevations within a
region and hypsometric curve depicts distribution of area with respect to altitude
(Strahler 1952). Hypsometric analysis has been used to understand various forcing
factors on basin topography. Weissel et al. (1994) suggest that hypsometry may
reect the interaction between tectonics and erosion and could provide a valuable
geomorphic index in order to constrain the relative importance of these processes.
Hypsometry may be expressed quantitatively as an integral called the hypsometric
integral (Ea). Ea represents the area under the hypsometric curve. Strahler (1952)
interpreted shapes of hypsometric curves by analyzing numerous drainage basins
and classied the basins as youth (convex upward curves), mature (S-shaped curves
which are concave upwards at high elevations and convex downwards at low
elevations) and peneplain or distorted (concave upward curves). Hypsometric
integral value can be used as an estimator of erosion status of watershed leading to
prioritization of watershed for soil and water conservation measures (Singh et al.
2008). Singh (2008) made an attempt to study the statistical relation between

*Corresponding author. Email: ksjayappa@yahoo.com

ISSN 1010-6049 print/ISSN 1752-0762 online
2011 Taylor & Francis
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2011.608438
http://www.tandfonline.com

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

554

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

hypsometric integral and area of watersheds. Several studies have shown that
hypsometric integrals correspond to lithological resistance and/or tectonic uplift
rates (Lifton and Chase 1992, Hurtrez and Lucazeau 1999, Chen et al. 2003).
Hypsometric integrals are also known to be sensitive to variables related to
morphometry of the basin, such as basin area and relief (Hurtrez et al. 1999, Chen
et al. 2003), basin planform, and the grid or basin perimeter based system that is
applied (Lifton and Chase 1992, Willgoose and Hancock 1998). Bishop et al. (2002)
found that the hypsometric integral helps in explaining the erosion taken place in the
watershed during the past, due to hydrologic processes and land degradation. Lifton
and Chase (1992) tested the inuence of varying uplift rates on hypsometry, from a
numerical model of landscape development, showing that the hypsometric integral
was positively correlated to uplift rate. Hurtrez et al. (1999) investigated the
sensitivity of hypsometry to digital elevation models (DEMs) of dierent resolutions
and assessed the inuence of varying drainage area on hypsometry in Siwalik Hills of
central Nepal. The shape of the hypsometric curves and the Ea values provide
valuable information not only on erosional stage of the basin, but also on tectonic,
climatic and lithological factors of the basin (Moglen and Bras 1995, Willgoose and
Hancock 1998, Huang and Niemann 2006). All the above views reveal that
hypsometric analysis provides valuable information on landform evolution and
tectonics. The scope of the study is limited to the evaluation of hypsometric
parameters which provides valuable information on the type of erosive processes
operating in the Western Ghat regions. The geographic information system (GIS)
approach was used to obtain hypsometric information and to calculate the
associated parameters.
2.

Study area

The Kali River one of the west owing rivers of Karnataka which originates in
the Western Ghat at an altitude of 900 m is a seventh order basin with a length of
184 km. It covers a total drainage area of 4837 km2, extending from 148430 1.800 to
158330 44.900 N latitudes and 748050 7.6300 to 748570 39.0500 E longitudes in Uttara
Kannada district of northern Karnataka, India forms the study area (Figure 1). The
land mass of the river basin is situated between 0 and 1040 m above msl (Figure 2).
The river ows initially towards east, then turns westward and joins the Arabian Sea
near Karwar. In its course, the river loses about 350 (42070) m elevation through
waterfalls between 90 and 105 km from the origin (Figure 3). The climate of the
study area is humid tropical along the coastal zone where the mean annual
precipitation is around 3900 mm. The Kali River is composed of well developed
drainage network ranging from rst to seventh order streams (Figure 4). The major
sub-basins of Kali River are: Kannadgal, Daogi, Nagihari halla and Maradi (fourth
order streams); Barchi nadi, Bennemone, Birkol halla, Bargi halla, Karkia halla,
Vadi halla, Bare halla, Shivapura halla, Kaiga, Kaneri and Nagi nadi (fth order
streams); Thatihalla, Sarkalihalla, Naiti holle and Vaki halla (sixth order streams);
and Pandheri nadi is a seventh order stream.
3.

Geology and geomorphic setting

The Kali River drainage basin is composed of various lithological units of Archean
age of Dharwar Super-group of rocks. The basin forms the western Dharwar Craton

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

Geocarto International

Figure 1.

555

Location map of Kali River basin.

of south Indian Shield and exhibits NNWSSE trending structures. Greywacke in

the upstream and granodioritic to tonalitic gneisses in the downstream segment of
the catchment are traversed by number of dykes and overlain by laterite and
alluvium (Figure 5(A)). The intensive igneous activity by way of dyke intrusions,
presence of ptygmatic, criss-cross pegmatite intrusions and highly folded granitic
gneisses are the evidences of high shearing of the area. The dykes are oriented in
NNWSSE, NWSE, NNESSW and NEESWW directions (Figure 5(B)). The
schistosity is well developed in NESW direction within ferruginous quartzites. The
rocks have been folded into a series of isoclinal antiforms and synforms. The river
ows down to Ghat escarpment near Karwar via two water gaps and cut across two
successive parallel Banded Ferrugenues Quartizite ridges that form NS trending
buttonhole structure. The main river course and its tributaries are controlled by

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

556

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

Figure 2.

Elevation distribution map of Kali River.

Figure 3.

Longitudinal prole of Kali River.

lineaments at dierent locations. The lineaments are oriented in NWSE, NNE

SSW and NEESWW directions (Figure 5(C)). It is reported that the magmatic
bodies of the Ghats canyon area near Karwar are partially metamorphosed layered
intrusions in which the foliation exhibits a steep easterly dip (Vasudev and
Ranganathan 1994). In Dandeli area a few km inland from the escarpment, the

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

Geocarto International

Figure 4.

557

Drainage map of Kali River basin.

phyllites dip consistently eastward at an angle of 528 and form hogback ridges
(Durg 1969).
The major part of the Kali River basin (except a narrow coastal strip and plain
tableland areas on eastern part) is found in hilly regions of the Western Ghat.
Considering the great height of the Ghat scarp, Valdiya (2001) opines that the megafeature cannot be just ascribed to isostatic uplift, but to neotectonic resurgence.
4.

Materials and methods

Topographic maps (1:50,000 scale) of the study area published by the Survey of
India were georeferenced with Universal Transverse Mercator projection (WGS
1984, Zone 43 N) using ArcGIS 9.3 software. The drainage lines were digitized and
stream ordering was done in accordance with Strahlers (1957) method. The entire
area has been divided into 20 sub-basins with fourth to seventh orders and their
boundaries were digitized using ArcGIS 9.3 software. The contours were digitized in
GIS environment and elevation values as well as area enclosed between the contour
and each sub-basin boundaries were calculated. The feature classes containing these
values were used to plot the hypsometric curve. Many geomorphologists have
classied hypsometric curve on the basis of shape geometry. Using the hypothetical
hypsometric curve of Sinha Roy (2002), various parameters such as hypsometric
integral (Ea), maximum concavity (Eh), coordinates of slope inection point (I)
given by a* and h* and normalized height of hypsometric curve (h) were calculated
(Figure 6). Similarly three types youthful, mature and old stage of landforms
have been classied by Strahler (1952, 1964) based on hypsometric curves and

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

558

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

Figure 5. Geology map of Kali River basin (A); general trend of dykes (B) and
lineaments (C).

hypsometric integral. Hypsometric curves characterized by downward concave curve

with hypsometric integral (Ea) values 4 0.60 indicate youthful condition or
inequilibrium phase, S shape curves without any evident of concavity having
intermediate Ea values between 0.35 and 0.60 indicate mature or equilibrium stage,
and the curves with upward concavity and Ea values 5 0.35 indicate old or
monadnock stage (Figure 7). The downward concave part of right hand side of the
hypsometric curve is called toe, upward concave part of left hand side of the curve is
head and upward concave segment in the centre of the curve between toe and head is
called body (Willgoose and Hancock 1998, Figure 7).

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

Geocarto International

559

Figure 6. A hypothetical curve dening the hypsometric parameters which are extracted for
the present study (after Sinha Roy 2002).

Figure 7. Three types of hypsometric curves youthful, mature and old stage showing toe,
head and body (after Strahler 1964, Willgoose and Hancock 1998).

In the present study, hypsometric curves were obtained for all the 20 sub-basins
of Kali River by plotting the ratio of relative area the area above a particular
contour (a) to the total area (A) of the watershed along the abscissa and ratio of
relative elevation the height of the given contour (h) from the base plane to the
maximum basin elevation (H) on the ordinate (Figure 8). The parameters such as
hypsometric integral (Ea), maximum concavity (Eh), coordinates of slope inection

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

560

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

Figure 8. Map showing 20 sub-basins extracted for hypsometric analysis (1. Naiti hole, 2.
Bargi halla, 3. Sarkari halla, 4. Maradi, 5. Bennemone, 6. Kaiga, 7. Bari halla, 8. Vaki halla, 9.
Birkol halla, 10. Shivapura halla, 11. Vadi halla, 12. Kaneri, 13. Nagihari halla, 14. Kannadgal
nadi, 15. Daogi nadi, 16. Thati halla, 17. Karkia halla, 18. Barchi nadi, 19. Panderi nadi and
20. Nagi nadi).

point (I) given by a* and h*, normalized height of hypsometric curve (h) at 0.2, 0.5,
0.8 and 0.9 (20%, 50%, 80% and 90%) which provide the elevations relative to
maximum height that cover the specic proportion of the catchment area were
calculated (Table 1).
5.

Results and discussions

Results of the study are discussed under the sub-headings hypsometric curve shape,
hypsometric head and toe and hypsometric integral and slope inection point.
5.1.

Hypsometric curve shape

For all the 20 sub-basins of Kali River, hypsometric parameters are calculated and
hypsometric curves have been prepared (Table 1, Figure 9). Hypsometric curves are
distinguished into three groups based on their shape. The rst group is characterized
by concave upward curves with an average Ea value of 0.32 representing mature to
late mature stage of landforms. The second group of curves is characterized by
concaveconvex shape with an average Ea value of 0.51 representing uvial and
slope wash processes of landforms. The third group of curves is characterized by
concave downward and convexity in the toe part with high Ea values (average 0.63)
represents youthful stage of landforms.

561

Geocarto International

Table 1. Hypsometric parameters hypsometric integral (Ea), normalized height of

hypsometric curve (h) at 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 0.9, maximum concavity (Eh) and coordinates of
slope inection point (I) given by a* and h* of all the 20 sub-basins of Kali River.

S.
No.

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Name
Naiti hole
Bargi halla
Sarkari
halla
Maradi
Bennemone
Kaiga
Bari halla
Vaki halla
Birkol halla
Shivapura
halla
Vadi halla
Kaneri
Nagihari
halla
Kannadgal
nadi
Daogi nadi
Thati halla
Karkia halla
Barchi nadi
Panderi nadi
Nagi nadi

Area
(sq. km)

Height of hypsometric
curve (h)
Ea

at 0.2

at 0.5

at 0.8

at 0.9

Coordinates
of (I)
Eh

a*

h*

105.90
26.77
172.65

0.30
0.30
0.39

0.56
0.55
0.60

0.29
0.19
0.41

0.10
0.04
0.13

0.06
0.02
0.08

0.22
0.29
0.21

0.23
0.41
0.09

0.72
0.23
0.72

24.35
38.86
27.47
61.26
147.20
19.37
54.77

0.47
0.51
0.50
0.56
0.53
0.54
0.53

0.68
0.80
0.79
0.67
0.95
0.82
0.78

0.60
0.56
0.62
0.58
0.56
0.54
0.57

0.15
0.17
0.08
0.52
0.02
0.28
0.24

0.06
0.06
0.0
0.18
0.0
0.12
0.14

70.20
70.12
70.13
70.34
70.31
70.12
70.09

0.1
0.42
0.61
0.89
0.42
0.5
0.60

0.92
0.70
0.52
0.50
0.89
0.62
0.50

96.62
426.66
60.65

0.64
0.56
0.70

0.80
0.65
0.82

0.64
0.55
0.75

0.54
0.45
0.63

0.40
0.41
0.42

70.40
70.32
70.42

0.9
0.98
0.80

0.1
0.40
0.64

57.63

0.60

0.68

0.61

0.54

0.50

70.40

0.1

0.50

34.03
1205.95
126.65
232.61
663.4
137.33

0.63
0.48
0.36
0.30
0.32
0.31

0.83
0.63
0.52
0.45
0.40
0.45

0.67
0.46
0.32
0.31
0.33
0.26

0.44
0.33
0.21
0.10
0.21
0.15

0.33
0.26
0.16
0.05
0.16
0.07

70.28
70.19
0.36
0.32
0.5
0.37

0.5
0.90
0.08
0.18
0.09
0.21

0.28
0.1
0.96
0.5
0.42
0.41

Hypsometric curves of Naiti hole, Bargi halla, Sarkari halla, Karkia halla, Barchi
nadi, Panderi nadi and Nagi nadi sub-basins (Nos. 13 and 1720) belong to rst
group. Of these, Karkia halla, Panderi nadi and Nagi nadi show downward
concavity in the toe side. All these seven sub-basins show high relative relief which
indicates high internal dissection and steep slope. Karkia halla, Barchi nadi, Panderi
nadi and Nagi nadi are located in the upper part and the remaining three are located
in the lower part of the Kali River basin (Figure 8). Shape of this type of curves
indicates that the uvial process is dominated in the catchment which is evidenced
by uvial deposits and incision of bed rock (Figure 10(A) and (B)). Chattopadhyay
et al. (2006) suggest that concave hypsometric curve is an indicator of an area
predominated by erosion and the eroded materials are accumulated in the
downstream. Hypsometric curves of Maradi, Bennemone, Kaiga, Bari halla, Vaki
halla, Birkol halla and Shivapura halla (Nos. 410) belong to second group. This
type of curve indicates that upper part of the sub-basins is favourable for dominance
of slope wash, may be due to the lithological dierences (Ciccacci et al. 1992).
Hypsometric curves of Vadi halla, Kaneri, Nagihari halla, Kannadgal nadi, Daogi
nadi and Thati halla (Nos. 1116) belong to third group. These sub-basins (except
Thati halla) are found to be located in the scrap regions of Western Ghat (Table 1;
Figures 8 and 9).

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

562

Figure 9. Hypsometric curves of twenty sub-basins. Concave upward curves (Nos. 13 and
1720) belong to rst group, downward concave curves (Nos. 410) belong to second group
and concave downward curves with convexity in the toe part (Nos. 1116) belong to third
group.

5.2. Hypsometric head and toe

The values of hypsometric head and toe have signicant importance of landscape
evolution. It is observed that higher the hypsometric head i.e. h (0.2), greater is
the inuence of diusive processes at the upper reaches of the sub-catchment. On the
other hand, higher the hypsometric toe i.e. h (0.8), greater is the mass accumulation

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

Geocarto International

563

Figure 10. (A) Fluvial deposits indicating dominance of uvial process; (B) Bedrock incision
in the Kaneri river bed; (C) Folds in the middle part of Kaneri River and (D) Parallel joints are
manifestations of neotectonics.

at the sub-catchment mouth, derived mainly through uvial transport (Sinha

Roy 2002). Based on hypsometric head (h at 0.2), it has been observed that the subbasins Naiti hole, Bargi halla, Karkia halla, Barchi nadi, Panderi nadi and Nagi
nadi belonging to rst group with lower values of hypsometric head (50.56)
indicate least diuse processes at the upper reaches of these sub-basins, whereas the
sub-basins Bennemone, Kaiga, Vaki halla, Birkol halla and Shivapura halla of
second group, and Nagihari halla, Vadi halla and Daogi nadi sub-basins of third
group with higher hypsometric head (40.75) indicate predominant diusive
processes at the upper reaches of these sub-basins. The remaining six sub-basins
Sarkari halla (rst group), Maradi, Bari halla (second group), Kaneri, Kannadgal
nadi and Thati halla (third group) with moderate values (0.600.68) of hypsometric
head indicate moderate diusive erosion at the upper reaches.
Considering the toe values, those belonging to second group except Bari halla,
show lower values (50.28) indicating minimum mass accumulation at the subcatchment mouth. All the sub-basins belonging to third group (except Thati halla)
show higher values (40.44), indicating greater mass accumulation at the subcatchment mouth. Shape of toe reects the form of lateral contribution and the
degree of branching within the catchment (Willgoose and Hancock 1998). Increased
branching at toe region leads to development and enlargement in size of toe
catchment.

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

564

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

5.3. Hypsometric integral and slope inection point

Hypsometric integral controls the shape of a hypsometric curve and thereby provides
clues for landform evolution (Sinha Roy 2002). Normally, downward concave
hypsometric curves show higher hypsometric integral. All the 20 sub-basins are
classied into four groups based on the hypsometric integral values. Six sub-basins
namely Naiti hole, Bargi halla, Karkia halla, Barchi nadi, Panderi nadi and Nagi
nadi (Nos. 1, 2 and 1720) with Ea values 50.36 belong to rst group. Naiti hole
and Bargi halla sub-basins are located near to the coast and remaining ones are in
the upper part of the basin. Three sub-basins Sarkari halla, Maradi and Thati halla
(Nos. 3, 4, and 16) with an average Ea value of 0.44 belong to second group. Seven
sub-basins Bennemone, Kaiga, Bari halla, Vaki halla, Birkol halla, Shivapura halla
and Kaneri (Nos. 510 and 12) with an average Ea value of 0.52 belong to third
group. The remaining four sub-basins Vadi halla, Nagihari halla, Kannadgal nadi
and Daogi nadi (Nos. 11, 1315) with an average Ea value of 0.64 come under
fourth group (Table 1).
High values of Ea are possibly related to young, active tectonics and low values
of Ea are related to older landscapes that have been more eroded and less impacted
by recent tectonic activities (Hamdouni et al. 2008). Lower Ea values also indicate
mass removal of materials by erosion and older landforms. Sudden change in
channel conguration and presence of gorges in middle part of Kaneri River is an
indication of the tectonic control of this region (Figure 11). Incised channels, folds
and parallel joints in the middle part of Kaneri River were observed during the eld
studies (Figure 10(B)(D)).
The position of maximum concavity (Eh) of sub-basins show mixed character
(Table 1). Eh values of the seven sub-basins of rst group (Figure 8) are positive,
which indicates mature stage of landforms and more eroded upland areas. Whereas
those belonging to second and third groups show negative Eh values, indicating
young landforms and less eroded upland areas.
As far as one of the slope inection points i.e. a* values are considered, eight
sub-basins (Nos. 1, 3, 4, 14, 1720) show lower values (50.23), seven sub-basins
(Nos. 2, 5, 6, 810 and 15) show moderate values (0.410.61) and the remaining ve
sub-basins (Nos. 7, 1113 and 16) show higher values (40.8). Regarding another
slope inection point (h*) values are considered, four sub-basins (Nos. 2, 11, 15 and
16) show lower values (50.28), eight sub-basins (Nos. 6, 7, 10, 12, 14 and 1820)
show moderate values (0.400.52) and the remaining eight sub-basins (Nos. 1, 35, 8,
9, 13 and 17) show higher values (40.62). Lower the value of a*, greater is the extent
of subduced topography approaching Davision style of peneplain and lower the
value of h*, higher is the degree of peneplanation (Sinha Roy 2002).
5.4. Potential lithological controls
Lithological variations can potentially aect the hypsometry of drainage basins in
complex ways (Walcott and Summereld 2008). In our study area, there are two
main spatial scales at which signicant lithological variations are evident. Upper part
of the basin consists of greywackeargillite and granite, whereas lower part of the
basin consists of migmatite and granodioritic to tonallite gneisses. We computed
area of main lithology, i.e. lithology that appears most often and calculated its
percentage sub-basin wise. Perez-Pena et al. (2009) have followed similar method;
but instead of calculating main lithology for sub-basin, they have used regular square

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

Geocarto International

565

Figure 11. Sudden change in the channel ow of Kaneri River and gorge area (FCC of IRS
P6 LISS-III).

grids. The results show that sub-basin occupied by migmatite and metabasalts have
relatively higher Ea (average 0.39) values except two sub-basins Naiti holle and
Bargi halla which are located close to river mouth. Sub-basins occupied by
greywackeargillite and granite have relatively lower Ea (average 0.35) values except
three Vaddi halla, Kannadgal nadi and Daogi sub-basins. These three sub-basins
are small in size and located in the lower part of the basin. Presence of a thick,
resistant unit in the headwaters of a catchment will tend to decrease its hypsometric
integral, while exposure of such a unit near the mouth of the basin will tend to
increase its hypsometric integral (Walcott and Summereld 2008). This fact is clearly
found in the present study area where the sub-basins are occupied by migmatite and
metabasalt showing relatively higher Ea values. However, this inuence is not
enough to explain great variations in relative high or low Ea values because of the
absence of adequate geological information.
5.5.

Hypsometric integral and basin area

Willgoose and Hancock (1998) and Hurtrez et al. (1999) suggested that in small
basins the hypsometric curve is convex and the value of the hypsometric integral
approaches unity, indicating a predominance of hill slope processes, whereas in large
basins the curves are concave, the integral approaches zero and uvial processes
predominate. In order to check the scale dependency, statistical analysis has been
carried out between area and hypsometric integral. Area of the sub-basins varies
from 19.37 km2 to 1205.95 km2. The regression analysis reveals that hypsometric
integral (Ea) and area of all the 20 sub-basins show negative relation (r2 0.028).
This is because of asymmetric distribution of area of sub-basins, i.e. relatively larger
ones are located in the upper part compared to the lower part. To solve this problem,
the entire data set of all the 20 sub-basins were classied into four area classes based
on natural breaks method and then regression analysis was carried out. The average
Ea values of rst area class is 0.48 (539 km2), 0.55 (54105 km2) for second, 0.37
(126173 km2) for third and 0.45 (4172 km2) for fourth area classes. The regression
analysis reveals that Ea and area have positive relation in small basins, whereas as
the area increases the relation becomes negative and weak (Figure 12(A)(D)). This

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

566

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

Figure 12. Statistical relation between area and hypsometric integral of sub-basins of four
area classes. Note that positive relation exits in class 1 (A) and negative relation in class 2, 3
and 4 (B, C and D).

conrms that the hypsometric integral is controlled by basin area in small sub-basins
rather than larger ones.
6.

Conclusion

In order to understand the type of erosive processes and relative age of land forms,
hypsometric analysis has been carried out for all the 20 sub-basins of Kali River
basin. Several parameters [hypsometric integral (Ea), maximum concavity (Eh),
coordinates of slope inection point (I) given by a* and h* and normalized height of
hypsometric curve (h)] were extracted from the hypsometric curves and used for
understanding the landform characteristics. Hypsometric parameters provide strong
indication regarding tectonic activities in the sub-basins which has been conrmed
during the eld observations. Seven sub-basins (Naiti hole, Bargi halla, Sarkari
halla, Karkia halla, Barchi nadi, Panderi nadi and Nagi nadi) belonging to rst
group of Kali River catchment show upward concave hypsometric curve with low Ea
values (average 0.32) indicating mature to late mature topography. These seven
sub-basins (except Sarkari halla) with lower values of hypsometric head indicate less
diuse processes at their upper reaches and approaching the equilibrium stage of
landform evolution. The remaining 13 sub-basins show downward concave curve
with high Ea values (average 0.55) indicating uvial and slope wash processes of
landforms. These 13 sub-basins fall in the younger stage of landform evolution.
Statistical relation between the area and Ea values reveals that Ea is controlled by
area of smaller sub-basins rather than larger ones. As far as lithology is concerned,

Geocarto International

567

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

sub-basins occupied by migmatite and metabasalt show relatively higher Ea values

compared to those sub-basins occupied by greywackeargillite.
Five sub-basins Bennemone, Kaiga, Vaki halla, Birkol halla and Shivapura
halla - of second group and three sub-basins Nagihari halla, Vadi halla and Daogi
nadi of third group with higher hypsometric head values indicate dominance
of diusive processes in their upper reaches. Only one sub-basin, i.e. Bari halla of
second group with high toe value indicates greater mass accumulation by uvial
transport and all other sub-basins of this group show lower values (50.28)
indicating minimum mass accumulation at their mouth. Four sub-basins Vadi
halla, Nagihari halla, Kannadgal nadi and Daogi nadi belonging to third group
show higher toe values (40.44) depicting greater mass accumulation at their mouth.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the University Grants Commission (UGC) of New Delhi for
providing the nancial assistance in the form of a Major Research Project (No.F.33-45/
2007(SR)). The authors also acknowledge both the anonymous reviewers for their comments
and suggestions which improved the quality of the manuscript.

References
Bishop, M.P., et al., 2002. Geomorphic change in high mountains: a western Himalayan
perspective. Global and Planetary Change, 32, 311329.
Chattopadhyay, S., Sajikumar, S., and Chattopadhyay, M., 2006. Landscape evolution in
parts of Vamanapuram drainage basin, Kerala a hypsometric approach. Journal of
Geological Society of India, 68, 841856.
Chen, Y.C., Sung, Q., and Cheng, K., 2003. Along-strike variations of morphotectonic
features in the Western Foothills of Taiwan: tectonic implications based on streamgradient and hypsometric analysis. Geomorphology, 56, 109137.
Ciccacci, S., et al., 1992. Relation between Morphometric characteristics and denudational
processes in some drainage basins of Italy. Annals of Geomorphology, 36, 5367.
Durg, N.L., 1969. A structural study of the phyllites near Dandeli, Mysore state. Quarterly
Journal of Geology, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India, 41, 153156.
Hamdouni, R.El., et al., 2008. Assessment of relative active tectonics, Southwest Border of
Sierra Nevada (southern Spain). Geomorphology, 96 (12), 150173.
Huang, X.J. and Niemann, J.D., 2006. Modelling the potential impacts of ground water
hydrology on long-term drainage basin evolution. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms,
31, 18021823.
Hurtrez, J.E. and Lucazeau, F., 1999. Lithological control on relief and hypsometry in the
Herault drainage basin (France), Comptes Rendues Academie des Sciences de la terre et
des planets. Earth and Planetary Sciences, 328 (10), 687694.
Hurtrez, J.E., Sol, C., and Lucazeau, F., 1999. Eect of drainage area on hypsometry from an
analysis of small-scale drainage basins in the Siwalik Hills (central Nepal). Earth Surface
Processes and Landforms, 24, 799808.
Lifton, N.A. and Chase, C.G., 1992. Tectonic, climatic and lithologic inuences on landscape
fractal dimension and hypsometry: implications for landscape evolution in the San Gabriel
Mountains, California. Geomorphology, 5, 77114.
Moglen, G.E. and Bras, R.L., 1995. The eect of spatial heterogeneities on geomorphic
expression in a model of basin evolution. Water Resources Research, 31, 26132623.
Singh, O., Sarangi, A., and Sharma, M.C., 2008. Hypsometric integral estimation methods
and its relevance on erosion status of North-Western lesser Himalayan watersheds. Water
Resource Management, 22, 15451560.
Singh, T., 2008. Hypsometric analysis of watersheds developed on actively deforming Mohand
anticlinal ridge, NW Himalaya. Geocarto International, 2, 417427.
Perez-Pena, J.V., et al., 2009. Dierentiating geology and tectonics using a spatial
autocorrelation technique for the hypsometric integral. Journal of Geophysical Research
Earth Surface, 114, F02018.

Downloaded by [Mangalore University Library] at 01:52 17 November 2011

568

V.J. Markose and K.S. Jayappa

Sinha Roy, S., 2002. Hypsometry and landform evolution: a case study in the Banas drainage
basin, Rajasthan, with implications for Aravalli uplift. Journal of Geological Society of
India, 60, 726.
Strahler, A.N., 1952. Hypsometric (area-altitude) analysis of erosional topography. Bulletin of
Geological Society of America, 63, 11171142.
Strahler, A.N., 1957. Quantitative analysis of watershed Geomorphology. Transactions of the
American Geophysical Union, 38, 913920.
Strahler, A.N., 1964. Quantitative geomorphology of drainage basins and channel networks.
In: Chow V.T., ed. Handbook of applied hydrology. New York: McGraw Hill, 439476.
Valdiya, K.S., 2001. Tectonic resurgence of the Mysore plateau and surrounding regions in
cratonic southern India. Current Science, 81, 10681089.
Vasudev, V.N. and Ranganathan, N., 1994. Vanadium and sulphide-bearing titaniferous
magnetite bodies in Western Dharwar craton. In: B.M. Ravindra and N. Ranganathan,
eds. Geokarnataka. Bangalore: Karnataka Assistant Geologists Association, Department
of Mines and Geology, 168181.
Walcott, R.C. and Summereld, M.A., 2008. Scale dependence of hypsometric integrals: an
analysis of southeast African basins. Geomorphology, 96, 174186.
Weissel, J.K., Pratson, L.F., and Malinverno, A., 1994. The length-scaling properties of
topography. Journal of Geophysical Research, 99, 1399714012.
Willgoose, G.R. and Hancock, G., 1998. Revisiting the hypsometric curve as an indicator of
form and process in transport-limited catchment. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms,
23, 611623.