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

摘要

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