GEOMORPHOLOGY AND TECTONICS OF THE PIEDMONT ZONE OF WEST GANGA PLAIN, INDIA: INSIGHTS FROM INTEGRATED REMOTE SENSING, GIS AND FIELD BASED INVESTIGATIONS

摘要

The present study demonstrates the successful utilization of optical remote sensing data and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in morphotectonic investigations of densely forested plain areas with an example from the piedmont zone of the Ganga Plain. The investigations reveal the presence of four well developed alluvial fans in the study area, which are named, after their main feeder channels, from east to west as Kalaunia, Nandhaur, Gola and Nihal fans. The Kalaunia, Nihal and Nandhaur fans are fed from only one drainage basin, whereas the Gola fan also has one subsidiary drainage basin. The tectonic features of the area include active, longitudinal and transverse faults, most of which are generally concealed below the alluvium. The Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) defines the northern limit of the piedmont zone. The transverse faults generally offset the longitudinal structures.