Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Conceptual Framework

Geomorphology (Greek : Ge-'earth', Morpho - ’form’, Logos-
'discourse') Is the an scientific study of the geometric features of the
earth's surface. It incorporates all aspects of the interface between the
solid earth's the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Therefore, not only the
landforms of the continents and their margin are the subject-matter of this
discipline, but it also studies the morphology of the sea floor. In addition,
a close look at the moon, marks and other planets, provided by space
crafts, has created on extra-terrestrial aspect of geomorphology (Chorley-
1985). For a long time, geomorphology was considered as a study of
various types of landforms and their origin, more specifically, being an
off-shoot of geology (for obtaining stratigraphic and diastrophic history
of the earth) on one hand and geography (defined as the study of earth as
the abode of man) on the other, it is the science which studies the
geometrical features of earth's surficial forms.
Geomorphology has very recently come up as a very
important branch of earth sciences. It is closely related to geophysics and
geology particularly for obtaining diastrophic and structured
characterstics of the earth. It - however, falls mainly in the realm of
geography, because of the need for obtaining the surficial characterstics
of its various relief forms.
1.2 Review of the Previous Work
1.2.1 Contribution of Foreign Scholars
Geomorophologists like Russell (1949), Kesseli
(1954) and Hammond (1985) have contributed significantly to the
INTRODUCTION
2

development of the quantitative approach to the study of landforms. They

have laid emphasis particularly on the surficial expressions of landscape
rather than on their genetic aspects. Russell (1949), in his paper entitled
"Geographical Geomorphology", has pointed out the differences in the
approches to geomorphology from geographer's and geologist point of
view, in the following words "while the first is interested in studying the
horizontal cross section, the latter in vertical cross section of the earth
surface. "To explain, in other words geographers are mainly concerned
with 'what', 'where' and 'how much' the landscape has developed while
the geologists are more concerned with the processess and time. In the
same paper, he has also mentioned that, where geomorphology really tell
us what is present in a landscape and tells us exactly, where each forms is
to be found, it becomes geographical, "Kesseli (1954) in his paper, "A
neglected field; geomorphology", too suggests that the geographers
should not concern too much with the origin of the land. He formulated
three concepts: (i) concept of descriptive landforms analysis, (ii) concept
of landform type, and (iii) concept of landform type regions, later
Hammond (1965), following the ideas of Kesseli, devised a method for
quantitative empirical description of landform type regions and also
confined a new terminology "Land surface form' in order to avoid
unnecessary dualism, between the explanatory (genetic) and descriptive
(surface. from) approaches. Moreover the geographical concept in the
study of landform was advocated as early as 1935 by Smith, who
observed that "Whatever agencies and processes may have caused the
sculpturing or the transformation for the topographers and geographers,
further of landform, it is the resulting configuration that is the principal
consideration geographers are confined to distribution; description and
INTRODUCTION
3

types of landforms whereas geologists are deeply concerned with the

deposits, structure, occurrences, physical lithology and types of rocks,
etc. "Starhler (1950) accepts that geomorphology is mainly attached with
geology but Davis (1934) never treated geomorphology as a branch of
geology. He considered geomorphology as an intermediate discipline
between the. curriculum of geology and geography. However, it is
worthwhile to mention that knowledge of geology is very useful in the
study of geomorphology. A good working knowledge of geology is
considerably helpful to accurate and systematic study of landforms. The
division cycle concept of landform development provides a basic
approach to geomrphological study with structure as the dominant control
factor. Davis made allowance for interruptions in the normal cycle as
much as for the existence of cyclic evolution in other climatic regions
such as glacial, and arid, and thus recognized the existence of geomorphic
evolution in climates different from what he termed 'normal his approach,
being deductive and historical, was not for different form that of Darwin,
all explanations lie in the history, and in order to understand the present,
one has to go through the past. These are more significant for giving way
to the concept of 'rhythemic relief development" which has been
advocated by Morton Pesci and his colleagues (1964), who discarded the
cyclic concept of Davis and the concept of ascending and descending
quantitative change of Walther Penck.
Davis (1924) and Wooldridge (1946) considered that
landforms were the best reflects of the history of the earth in many parts
of the earth's surface. It also indicates that geomorphological studies
conducted in the past have been very helpful to geological interpretation.
Traditionally, the subject is confined to the origin and evolution of
INTRODUCTION
4

landforms which reflect the interaction between the erosional and

weathering processes operating on rocks of varying structure and
lithology under varied conditions.
1.2.2 Contribution of Indian Geologists and Geomorphologist
In India, geomorphological studies began only after
1930 with the work of Wadia (1936). Geologists and geographers both
paid much attention in this regard and their contributions are of great
importance, particularly in the field of physical geography, geologists like
Auden (1933), Wadia (1936), Chatterjee (1946), Chhibber (1948).
Krishnan (1957). West and Choubey (1964), Repke and Sharma (1974),
Valdiya (1987) and others have contributed significantly in the field of
geology as well as geomorphology. Geographers like Singh, R.P. (1956).
Ahmad (1958). Bagchi (1960), Mukerji (1961), Singh, R.L. (1967), Sinha
(1968), Dikshit (1970), Pal (1972), Singh. S. (1977), Kumar (1979),
Mukhopadhyay (1980), Rai (1980) and other have undertaken researches
in the field of geomorphology in India. Many of them made case studies.
Among other workers mention has to be made of the Banaras School of
geography where Singh, K.N. (1968), Asthana (1968), Kharkwal (1970),
Agrawal (1971), Singh, O.P. (1977), Gupta (1977), Singh S.B. (1978),
Yadava. S.R.S. (1978), Jha (1983), Kodali (1987) and Srivastava (1990),
have given emphasis on terrain classification. t they have also correlate
morphometric attributtes with the distribution and sittings of settlments.
Further, the techniques of geomorphological studies have been used also
in the study of forestry, mining and distribution of settlements.
1.3 Quantitative Techniques in Geomorphnolgoy
Formerly, geomorphological studies, based primarily
on the concepts of Davis and Penck, where more qualitative in nature.
INTRODUCTION
5

But later, notable geomorphologists like Baulig (1926), Raise (1946),

Anderson (1947), Longbein (1947), Linton (1951), Dury (1951), Cotton
(1952), Strahler (1952), Calef and Newscomp (1953), Miller (1953),
Choreley (1956), Schumm (1956), Lueder (1959), Young (1961, 1972),
Robinson (1963), Leopold, Wolman and Miller (1964), Savigear (1965,
Scheidegger (1965), Wearver (1965), Zakrazewska (1967), Eric (1967),
Doornkamp and King (1971), Ruhe (1975), and other have laid greater
emphasis on the quantitative analysis and mathematical symbolization of
the characteristics of landforms. It is pertinent to mention have the most
notable contribution of Sinha (1968), who in his work on 'geomorphic
evolution of the northern Rupununi Basin. Guyana shield has applied
quantitative as well as qualitative approach to the study of the evolution
of landforms. He has concluded that evaluation of landforms is related to
the climate and geomorphic processes as well as the structural condition
prevailing in the area.
The above-mentioned workers have contributed greatly to
the development of the techniques of morphometry for classifying
landforms. and their various attributes. Morphometric analysis has
provided refinement to the subject with more precise and accurate
methods of studying the landforms. Morphometry may be defined as the
quantitative measurement and analysis of the configuration of the earth's
surface and of the shape and dimension of its landforms. Morphometric
methods have been often used to describes certain relief features like
erosion surfaces and slopes. This type of investigation has been carried
out by Elorton (1932) was has developed some important laws of drainage
compositions. His empirical methods have been later modified by
Straheler (1950), Morisawa (1957), Miller (1958), Melton (1959), and
INTRODUCTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

Schumm (1965). But real credit goes to Dury (1952), who firstly
presented morephological analysis in a systematic forms. Some important
techniques employed in the analysis of erosion surfaces are average slope
(Wentworth, 1990), relative relief (Smith, 1935), dissection index (Dov
Nil*, 1957), generalized contours (Miller, 1964), hypsometric and
altimetic curves (Clarke, 1967). In India, morphometric evalution of
landforms has been attempted for Rajmahal Highlands, the neighborhood
of Almora and Mirzapur upland firstly by Singh, R.L. (1967), which was
followed by Singh, K.N. (1968), Asthana.(1968), Kharkwal (1970), Pal
(1972), Kumar (1979), Rai (1980), and others.
It is noted that several gemorphologists have delineated the
regional landforms units on the basis of physiography and natural regions
while a few other have demarcated the natural regions of North America
on the basis of physiography, Fenneman (1974), Goerge (1914), Linton
(1951) and others, including Demortonne, have also used the
physiographicmethod. Schumm (1956), King. L.C. (1962), Longwell and
Flint (1962), and Holmes (1965), etc., have given new dimensions to the
study of landforms, King has contributed a lot to the ■geomorphological
studies of the tropical lands of South and Central Africa, Brazil and
Australia. Geomorphological study has recently gained much popularity
in several countries of the world, more particularly USA, Canada,
Germany, France, Hungary, USSR Australia, UK, New Zealand, etc. A
vast literature relating to the study of landforms has been coming out
every day through different Journals published in different parts of the
world.
INTRODUCTION
7

1.4 Development of Applied Geomorphology

With the development of applied geomorphology, it
has become easier to evaluate and solve the problems pertaining to the
earth's surface, both physical as well as the socio-economic aspects of
mankind. For a long time, geomorphology was considered just a subject
comprising mainly studies of the types and origin of landorms. Only
relatively recently, it has found many applications in different fields of
resource and environmental surveys. Infact, geomorphological
investigations has become most essential not only for the evaluations of
various development programms and policies but also for their
formulation and implementation at various levels.
Applied geomorphology may be defined as the application
of geomorphic understanding to the analysis and solution of problems
concerning land occupancy, resource utilization, environmental
management and planning or similar problems (Jones, 1980). It evaluates
the landforms and processes with special reference to geology, soil
science, geohydrology, military geology, engineering geology,
agricultural resources, archeology and rural and urban planning with a
central objective of project formulation, implementation, evaluation and
planning. As a result, geomorphology has received much attention from a
growing number of scientists and planners. Many non-geomorphoiogists,
including soil scientists, engineers, geologists, regional and urban
planners, have given much thought to the application of geomorphology
for developmental activities. The development of the subject got new
momentum as its scope was progressively enlarged with advances in its
methods of research, which day by day become more scientific. Thus,
INTRODUCTION
8

applied geomorphology has emerged as a branch of geomorphology for

development purposes.
Numerous geomorphologists such as Hails (1977), Brunsdan
(1978), Jones (1980), Yerstappen (1983), Chorley (1985) have defined
applied geomorphology in different wasy. According to Hails (1977),
"applied geomorphology deals with the study and analysis of landforms
units and their distinctive characterstics and predictions of natural hazards
impact of man as geomorphological processes and planning of laws to
protect the environment". Brunsdan (1978), consider, "applied
geomorphology as the application of geomorphological techniques in the
analysis and pollution of problems relating to development planning,
environmental management, engineering, constructions, etc." The
application of geomorphology, according to Chorley (1985), can be
divided into two groups: (1) man as a geomorphic agent, interms of his
inadvertent and planned effects on geomorphic processes and forms, and
(2) geomorphology as an aid to resource evaluation, engineering
construction and planning. His work mainly relates to certain applied
aspects of fluvial geomorphology where in he tells that if geomorphology
has as its role in the identification and description of landforms, the
explanation of their origin and the prediction of future change, then
application of geomorphology should fall within these categories of
description, postulation and prediction.
1.5 Application of Geomorphology in Various Spheres
Verstappen (1983) has demarcated the various field of
geomorphology as follows: (i) Static geomorphology, concerned with
actual landforms, (ii) Dynamic geomorphology, concerned with processes
and short-term (iii) Genetic geomorphology, concerned with long-term
INTRODUCTION
9

development of relief, and (iv) Environmental geomorphology,

concerned with land use, ecological links between geomorphology and
neighbouring disciplines or elements of the land. The diversified
application of geomorphology according to him, may be grouped under
the following headings:
i) Application in the field of earth sciences (geology, soil
science, hydrology), vegetation science, etc., including the
topographic and thematic mapping related to the study of
natural resources development.
ii) Application in the field of environmental studies and
surveys, either of general nature or geared to a particular
natural hazard, such as landslide, snow avalanche,
earthquake, volcanism, land-subsidence, soil erosion,
flooding or drought.
iii) Application in the field of rural development and planning,
emphasis is often on agriculture, herding or other types of
rural land utilization, Improvements of the rural landuse by
soil erosion control and conservation techniques and or by
river basin development also fall under this heading.
iv) Application in the field of urbanization. Here the impact of
man on the land is usually more intense and limited in areal
coverage and consequently the problems involved are often
of different nature and magnitude. These studies may be
related to matter such as urban extension, site or industry or
mining activities.
v) Application in engineering are manifold both in relation to
urbanization and industralization. In broader sense
INTRODUCTION
10

engineering applications can be divided into two parts, i.e. .

highways engineering (and related field such as railway
engineering and air-field construction) and river and coastal
engineering (construction of embankments).
A large segment of work in applied geomorphology relates
to weathering, soil erosion, drainage network, and fluvial activities
(Dikshit, 1988). Forecasting of geomorphological hazards as well as
management of environmental resources have found valuable niche in the
intire realm, of geomorphic knowledge and grappling with the problems
of resources management, pertaining to land, water, vegetation, or any
other aspect appears in responu to the societal accountability. In a
developing country like India, applied geomorphology has a very special
role to play in solving the problems related to agriculture, irrigation, soil
conservation and prediction of natural hazards including masswasting and
landslide. The discipline is also primarily concerned with the monitoring
of landscape forming processes and landscape changes and the problems
arising thereform.
1.5.1 Contribution of Foreign Scholars in Applied Geomorphology
It is rather surprising that applied gemorphology has
developed lately (Tricrat. 1978) inspite of the fact that manking has
survived through the ages only successfully applying his knowledge of
the world around him (Marsh. 1965).This branch has recently attracted
increasing interest of geomorphologists (Thombury, 1954; Fels. 1965;
Jennings, 1966; Doughlas, 1967; Chorley, 1969. Brown, 1970, Cooks and
Doornkamp, 1974; Gregory and Walling, 1979, Goudie, 1981; Graig and
Crapts, (1982). Thornbury in his book 'Principles of Heomorphology' has
discussed the application of geomorphology to hydrology, economic
INTRODUCTION
11

gelogy, engineering projects, military, geology, soil exploration, etc. The .,

topography, according to him, provides valuable clues to mineral
exploration and prospecting. Other geomorphologists who have
contributed on various aspects of this discipline are Dixey (1962),
Coates (1972; 1976), Curry (1977), Chandller (1977), Ollier (1977),
Smith (1977), Dent and Young (1981), Hart (1986) and Southerland &
and Bryan (1991).
During the last four decades a great advancement in
geomorphological studies have been made in developed countries like
U.K., USA, France, Germany, USSR, Hungary, Poland, Netherland,
Australia, Canada and Newzealand, British geomorphological research
group (1975) have contributed significantly on various aspects of applied
geomorphology. Numerous workshop have been organized by
International. Geographical Union of different facets of applied
geomorphology. Recently a workshop on 'Denudation, Processes and
Landuse Problems in Tropical Region, was held at Kenytta University,
Nairobi (COMATAG, Aug; 1991) in which a number of research papers
were discussed on problems of arable land, and soil erosion.
1.5.2 Contribution of Indian Geographers in Applied
Geomorphology
In India, applied geomorphology is still a faery, though its
importance is realized in many quarters of developmental activities. Some
Indian geomorphologists have been working on research projects, mostly
concerned with discharge-yield study, rate of erosion, Sediment-yield,
bank erosion, landuse, settlement and applied aspects founded either by
the department of science and technology or the department of
environment, Government of India. Besides, various universities, central
INTRODUCTION
12

and state government organisation such as the geological survey of India,,

the national atlas and thematic mapping organization (NATMO), the soil
and landuse surveys, the central and state groundwater departments. The
Indian space application research organization (ISRO), Ahmedabad.; The
national remote sensing agency (NRSA), Hyderabad; have initiated
serious geomorphological research according to their needs and
requirements.
Significant Indian contributions in this field have been made
by Sinha (1968), Singh, K.N. (1968), Dikshit (1970; 1988; 1991), Layer
and Srinivasan (1977), Sharma (1979), Vaidyanandhan and
Raghavaswami Rajguru (1980), Rai (1980), De (1982), Kale (1985), Pal
(1986), Singh and Tiwari (1988). and Raju (1989) etc. Among other
researchers, who have contributed in the field of terrain analysis, mention
may be made of the works of Prasad (1988), Panda (1990), Jha (1991),
Hironi (1991) and Namgyal (1991), Ahmad (1985) has suggested two
approaches to geomorphology, namely (i) historical, and (ii) the exiting
aspect. Knowledge of geomorphology has been applied to different types
of human activities in the past. It is being done so even in the present.
This is the second aspect. Its application may take place in future as well.
He has described the various applications of geomorphology such as
geomorphology and agriculture, slope and terracing, geomorphology and
soils, field patterns and ground moisture.
To conduct relevant studies, a commission an applied
geomorphology was formed under I.G.U. This commission has under its
purview, irrigation, pedology, agronomy, rural engineering, city planning
conservation of resources, transport photointerpretation, geomorphic
mapping, etc. The commission meets once in a yer and discussess
INTRODUCTION
13

problems and subjects related to applied geomorphology. Thus

geomorphology is of immense use in road engineering, siting and
construction of dams and reservoirs, canals, railways, airports, industrial
structures, electric transmission, lines and highways.
Keepings in mind the contents of applied geomorphology,
the area of Bokaro basin has been selected for the study of its terrain
features. Attempt has been made also to focus attention on the nature of
natural features and morphometric attributes of terrain.
1.6 Recent Trends and Techniques in Applied Geomorphology
Development of specialized techniquest of study in
geomorphology is a feature of the present country. There are infact, seven
significant trends in geomorphological studies : (i) geological
geomorphology, (ii) regional geomorphology, (iii) applied
geomorphology, (iv) quantitative geomorphology, (v)
palaeogeomorphology, (vi) climatic geomorphology accompanied with
morphogenetic approaches, and (vii) stratigraphic geomorphology (Sing,
1977).
More recently, applied geomorphology has been divided into
three separate themes, (i) environmental management; (ii) resource
evaluation, and (iii) Environmental hazards. At present, various branches
of field sciences, such as civil engineering, ground water hydrology,
geological and geophysical exploration, etc have become interested in the
discipline of geomorphology, consequently, a distinct and separate branch
of applied geomorphology, concerned with development activities, my
soon emerge.
Trends and techniques of analysis have changed from time to
time. In the beginning, the discipline was studied, mostly using the
INTRODUCTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14

qualitative techniques, based on the concepts of Davis and Penck. But.

Lately geomorphologists like, Russell, Kesseli and Hammond have
contributed to the development of quantitative techniques, which have
been found very useful in the analysis of landform.
They have laid more emphasis on the outer features of
landscape rather than on their genetic aspects, Further, geomorphologists
have laid more emphasis, in their studies, on quantitative analysis or
mathematical symtolization of the characterstics of landforms. This has
brought the quantitative study of landforms into limelight.
Photogrammetry is also considered useful in the accurate and orderly
measurement and interpretation of terrain characteristics.
The traditional techniques of geographers have been
supplemented by application of Remote sensing Techniques. Particularly
aireal remote sensing and satellite remote sensing. With the help of visual
and computer associated techniques, images are interpreted and the
required data are gathered according to the need. Finally, maps are
prepared. Though aireal photograph were in use even in the late fifties
and early sixties, their scale and range of resolution, have been widened
considerably in recent times. Use of censors-both manual and automated,
have considerably improved the technique. Quantitative analysis of
slopes, drainage density and other landform elements can be carried out
most accurately and rapidly with the help of aireal photographs. These
photographs can also be used as an aid to the study of dynamic
geomorphology. Remote sensing and satellite scanning have been proved
an excellent tool after the second world war. Now a days, this technique
has been widely applied in identifying morphological characteristic of
INTRODUCTION
15

landforms wasteland mapping, preparation of resource inventory and.

evaluation of terrain.
The whole field of data storage, data retrieval, data analysis
and data display is expanding rapdily and we may soon find geography as
a special type of regional data storage system, based on electronic
technology (Hagget and Chorley, 1969). The study of vegetation, based
on sequence of maps and photographs, can be of great utility in
determining the changes in landforms. This technique may provide
information on lateral and longitudinal changes, for this purpose, cross-
sections and station data are required. A few techniques can be used, in
some areas, to study the slower processes of drainage network
rejuvenation and extension, valley filling and the pattern of stream
copture as well as hill slope dissection and mass faiture. It is not only
associated with the laboratory studies but also installation of instruments
like rain gauge, current meter, infiltrometer and autorecording raingauge,
etc., at field stations with these sophisticated instruments. The
measurement of slope, appraisal of weathered zones, mechanism of
erosion, with high level accuracy has become possible, due to multistage
concept of Remote Sensing, Applied geomorphological investigation has
become easy for monitoring and updating of details of the earth's surface
or its resources. In the last ten years, many institutes and geography
departments have taken up the task of setting up of experimental field
station in areas of their interest. Here, it become necessary to mention the
experimental stations installed at machakas and Nanyuki, in the Tropical
Kenya Such station helps in studying various aspects of geomorphology.
Now a days geomorphic mapping models and systems are used to express
and delineate geomorphological information Geomorphic mapping is
INTRODUCTION
16

very useful in landuse planning. It has an advantage over the topographic

maps as it brings into focus relief and its facets more directly.
Environmental geomorphology has received much attention
as most of the contribution have been successful in identifying major geo-
environmental problems of their respective areas. Man, through his
interference with the natural system has been adjudged as the most potent
factor in affecting the geomorphological processes. Similarly,
deforestation has been taken as the major cause for accelerated rate of soil
erosion, siltation of river beds and reservoirs and recurrent floods. A
common concern has been raised for the conservation of natural
resources and maintenance of ecological balance. The arid landscape
has been considered as most suitable for investigating, such problems of
increasing magnitude.
1.7 Objectives
The present study lays emphasis on the morphometric
analysis of landform. In addition, attention has been given to applied
aspects of geomorphology, particularly distribution of geological
structure, soil management and availability of water resources. The main
objectives of the present study are :
i) To evaluate the morphometric aspects of terrain both
qualitatively and quantitatively.
ii) To delineate the study-area into morphometric units of
different orders. Application of remote sensing techniques
has been made to verify terrain categorisation based on
various morphometric attributes glanced from topographical
maps.
iii) Identification of geomorphic units using landsat imagery .
INTRODUCTION
17

iv) To correlate geomorphic attributes and geological structure

in the study-area. An attempt has been also made to bring
out relationship between availability of water resources.
To identify areas of severe soil erosion and suggest measures
for its control, including afforestation, slope and ecosystem management
and use of scientific agriculture practices.
1.6 Methodology
Geomorphological analysis requires a correct interpretation
of the information gathered from map and field work. The area under
study has not been properly surveyed, geologically and geographically.
Therefore, a detailed account of the area is not available at one place.
However, literature on the stratigraphic and dystrophic history of the area
is available in memoirs and records of the Geological Survey of India.
Besides, investigations • made by the geologists of Oil and Natural Gas
Commission, govt, of India regarding the stratigraphy and structure of the
Bokaro basin is also available.
To study area intensively, relevant literature and data
available on the area have been consulted. Each morphometric attribute,
i.e. absolute relief, relative relief, dissection index, drainage density,
drainage frequency and slope, has been analysed. For this purpose
topographical sheets No. 72 L/6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16 issued by Survey
of India have been used. The contour map at 50 feets interval, drawn
from 1:63360 topographical sheets have been used for analysis of
morphometric attributed. The drainage analysis has been also undertken
by using the above-mentioned topographical sheets. For a detailed
investigation, all the measurements were computed into metric system.
Numerous types of data and maps, regarding the climatic characteristics
INTRODUCTION
18

(rainfall, temperature), etc. have been collected from NRSA. Hyderabad,

NATMO, Kolkata and Survey of India, Dehradoon.
The study area, measuring 2764.80 km2 has been divided
into 2.56 km2 units, all the morphometric attributes have been
superimposed and more coinciding boundaries have been analysed.
Further, the morpho-units of different orders have been rechecked by
toposheets. The above assumption made, while analysing the area
through morphometric techniques (quantitative) have been further tested
in the light of the geology and structure of the area. All the morphometric
attributes are enumerated, classified and represented by suitable
cartographic techniques. Their categories have also been depicted on the
maps. Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation, for suitable pairs of
attributes, has been computed and interpreted, so as to throw light on both
physical and cultural landscape of the area.
1.9 Organization of the Present Study
The present study has been organized in to eight chapters:
Chapter I is devoted to the conceptual framework, review of previous
works, recent trends and techniques in applied geomorphological
investigation along with the objective and methodology of the present
study.
Chapter II is the devoted to the general survey of the physiographic
elements which from the basis of landform studies. The distribution of
major relief features, latitudinal zones and drainage along with the
elements of climate, soil and natural vegetation are dealt to aquatint the
reader with the general topographic character of the area.
Chapter III deals with.the geological base and evolution of landscape of
the study- area.
INTRODUCTION
19

Chapter IV seeks to fluvial landscape, both obsolute and relative and

established the quantitative relationship between the two- The dissection
index, a more scientific expression of relief analysis and erosional
potential is also computed. The areal distribution of dissection index and
their correlation with absolute relief have been also calculated. The area
height relationship has been evaluated by applying the techniques of
hypsographic, clinographic and altimetric frequency curves.
Chapter V describes relief under the heads of absolute relief, relative
relief, dissection index, area-height relations and landscape profiles. An
attempt has been made herein to identify the erosion surfaces of the area.
Chapter VI is devoted to morphometric characteristics of some selected
tributaries of drainage basin including bifurcation ratio, weighted mean of
bifurcation ration, mean stream length ratio relief ratio, elongation ratio,
mean channel gradients, streams density and frequency, hypsometric
integrals, etc.
Chapter VII deals with the analysis and distribution of average slope
including identification of major slope categories and evolution of slope.
The coefficient of correlation between slope and absoljute relief has been
compared. The magnitude of slope has been also portrayed by using
trigonometric functions viz, tangent and sine.
Chapter VIII analysis the relationship between geological structure and
morphometric attributes, classification and morphometric evaluation of
morpho-units.
1.10 Summary and Conclusion
The branch of geomorphology deserves paper attention in
advance study of geography. India is a vest country and presents
numerous problems in distinguishing physiographic units and variable
INTRODUCTION
20

geological structures the geomorphological features are also important by

the economic point of view. Some geographers, in our country, are
paying attention towards its progress.
Geomorphology has very recently come up as very
important branch of earth sciences. It is closely related to geophysics and
geology particularly for obtaining diastrophic and structured
characterstics of the earth. It, however, falls mainly in the realm of
geography, because of the need for obtaining the surficial characterstics
of its various relief ferms.
The study-area, measuring about 276480 Km. It has been
divided int 2.56 km units. All the morphometric attributes have been
superimposed and more coinciding boundaries have been analysed.
Further the morpho-units of different orders have been rechecked by
toposheets. Each morphometric attribute, i.e., absolute relief, relative
relief, dissection index, drainage density, drainage frequency and slope,
has been analysed. The above assumption made, while analysing the area
through, morphometric techniques (quantitative) have been further tested
in the light of the geology and structure of the area, all the morpho-metric
attributes are enumerated, classified and represented by suitable
cartographic techniques. Korl Persian's coefficient of correlation, for
suitable pairs of attributes, has been computed and interpreted, so as to
throw light on both physical and cultural landscape of the area.
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«1«
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