Hydrogeomorphological Investigation Using Remote Sensing Technique: A Case Study
Dr.D.K.Tripathi Associate Professor Department of Geograph
Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical & Social Sciences Sultanpur, 228114, Uttar Pradesh
Abstract:
The present study is an attempt to investigate hydogeomorphological conditions for delineating and mapping of hydrogeomorphological landforms in Sultanpur and Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite data of the year 2015 was processed in Arc GIS 9.3 and ERDAS Imagine 9.1 packages appling systematic visual image processing approach. The data field checks and training data collected through field survey were incorporated in satellite image processing . The various hydrogeomorphological landforms in the study area were identified and mapped in the study area i.e., Younger alluvial plain, Older alluvial plain, Gullied/ Ravinous area, Back swamp, Bank bar, Old meander, Oxbow lake and Palaeochannel .Three type of ground water prospects zones (Excellent, very good to good and good to moderated) were also identified on the basis of geomorphological landforms. This study demonstrats that the validated remote Sensing data and GIS techniques are efficient and adequate tools for hydrogeomorphological mapping and ground water evaluation. The delineated hydrogeomorphological landforms can be utilized for evaluation and management of land and water for sustainable development in the study area.
Key words: Hydrogeomorphological Landforms,Remote Sensing,Geographic Information System,Arc GIS 9.3,ERDAS Imagine 9.2,Systematic Visual Image Processing Approach.
INTRODUCTION
Water is the vital natural resource for both urban and rural environment. Its regular availability is extremely significant for human well being as well as ecosystem. Hence, the proper management of this basic resource is the greatest challenge in the present world. Due to rapid population growth and dependency on monsoonal rainfall, a heavy pressure on water resource has been increased in India during past few decades. Over withdrawal and exploitation of surface and subsurface (ground) water source causing serious threat to sustainable availability of this resource. Therefore, the proper management and conservation of water resource is the need of this era. Availability of water resource is
totally dependent on hydrogeomorphological environment of the area. Hence,hydrogeomorphological
Kumra, 2007; Brunner et al.,2007 ;Leblanc et al. ,2007; Machiwal et al.,2011; Harinath et al., 2013;-Teixeira et al., 2010, 2013; Khadri and Pande,2015; Naik et al. 2016). The Present paper is an attempt to study the hydrogeomorphological landforms and their prospects for groundwater exploration in Sultanpur and Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh. This study may useful for the field of soil science, geography, hydrology and environmental engineering applications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS Study area:
The study area ( Sultanpur and Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh ) is situated in middle Ganga plain on both sides of river Gomati between 25° 59’ N and 26°40’ N latitudes and 81° 32’ E and 82° 41’ E longitudes (Fig.1) covering a geographical area of 4436 sq. km. It characterized by an even and featureless plain, composed of deep and fertile alluvium deposited by the Ganga River and its tributaries. On the basis of topographical characteristics, the district can be divided into two distinct zones, Khadar (Younger alluvium plain ) and Bangar (older alluvium plain). The area enjoys the typical tropical, semiarid, monsoonic type of climate characterized by a dry and hot spring/early summer, a hot rainy season, a warm autumn and a cool winter. The average annual rainfall is 977 mm, mainly received between July and September. The winter rains are irregular and scanty. The mean maximum and minimum annual temperatures are 47.50 C and 4.10 C, respectively. The area under study, is drained by four principal rivers Gomati , Chamraura, Majhoi and Mangar. The soils of the study area mainly fluvial, which are transformed from Himalayas, through the river action and deposited in these forms. Soils are generally deep to very deep in depth fine textured, i.e. course loamy and loamy silty (mainly on action flood plain), well drained and calcareous in nature. The study area is economically backward and majority of the population (80 %) earns livelihood from agriculture and other allied activities.
Figure-1: Location Map of the Study Area
Research materials used in this study are: (i) Landsat7 Enhance Thematic Mapper (ETM+), Multi-spectral image (acquired in the year 2015) with bands - red, green and blue, 30 m resolution (source: http://glcf.umiacs.umd.edu) (ii) Google Earth high resolution images (source: http://www.google earth.com) (ii) Sultanpur-Amethi district boundary map prepared by National Natural Resource Database Management System (NRRDMS), Sultanpur (U.P.) (iii) Survey of India (SOI) Toposheet No. 63F (scale 1:250,000), 63F/10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 63J/3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 63 K/5, 9, 63, F, J. (scale 1:50,000) (iv) Field training data collected through selective field survey with Garmin GPS map 76 Cx handset in the month of May,2014 (v) Information pertaining land use/ land cover through informal interview of the local people (vi) Arc GIS 9.3(ESRI) and ERDAS Imagine 9.1 (Leica Geosystems,Atlanta,U.S.A.) packages.
Methods:
In order to investigate hydrogeomorphological conditions in the study area Landsat 7, ETM+ satellite image for the years 2015 was downloaded through Global Land Cover Network (GLCF). The Landsat data provided by Global Land Cover Network was radiometrically and geometrically (ortho-rectified with UTM/WGS 84 projection) corrected. The sub-setting of satellite image was performed in Arc GIS 9.3 software for extracting study area by taking geo-referenced out line boundary of study area. The most important output from analysis of remote sensing data is hydrogeomorphological mapping and evaluation of groundwater resource in the study area. In the present study, on screen standard visual image interpretation method was employed for hydrogeomorphological mapping. Before the image interpretation, a preliminary general traversing of study area was undertaken and some observations were recorded at few places. A legend was formed to identify the tonal behavior of major land use/land cover and hydrogeomorphological landforms of the image. During this field visit, training data were also collected for digital image analysis. Garmin GPS map 76 Cx handset was used to locate training data collection sites. The visual interpretation of image was performed in Arc GIS 9.3 considering image elements (such as tone, texture, shape, size, pattern, site, association etc.), author’s experience, ancillary data and terrain conditions. To improve the image contrast for better delineation of hydrogeomorphological landforms boundaries, spectral enhancement and band combination techniques were used. NDVI and classified (maximum likelihood method) images were used as add-on data set to supplement the existing onscreen interpretation on False Color Composite of Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery.
In order to establish relationship between the image elements and existence of hydrogeomorphological units, a field visit was made again and ground truth were collected. Having located sample areas, the pocket of land which were interpreted as specific hydrogeomorphological units were precisely located on the ground with the help of topographical sheets and observation were made regarding geotechnical elements.
The boundaries of hydrogeomorphological units drawn earlier during preliminary interpretation phase were modified according to field observation and a hydrogeomorphological map was finalized. The entire hydrogeomorphological mapping and area estimation was performed in Arc GIS 9.3 software. For an objective assessment of mapping accuracy, 200 sample points on reference image were selected randomly and analyzed in ERADAS IMAGINE software using Accuracy Assessment option in the Classification dialog.The mapped layers were compared with ground truth data and Google earth high resolution images and error matrix was generated. The quantitative assessment of maps accuracy was performed by computing overall accuracy and Kappa Coefficient (Bishop, 1975)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Spatial Distribution of Geomorphic Landforms:
mapping of geomorphic landforms. In the study area eight geomorphic landforms were mapped viz. Younger Alluvial plain, Older Alluvial plain, Gullied/ Ravinous area, Back swamp, Bank bar, Old meander, Oxbow lake and Palaeochannels. The accuracy of the classification was verified by field check and analyzed in ERDAS imagine software. The results obtained an overall accuracy of 90.27% while a Kappa coefficient was estimated 0.893. Figure 2 and table 1 reveal that, about 3.75 % (17574.27 ha) area of Sultanpur and Amethi district was under younger alluvial plain whereas 96.25% (394851.06 ha) under older alluvial plain , 0.42% (1732.82ha) under Gullied/ Ravinous area, 0.49 % (2001.12ha ) under Back swamp, 0.03 % (134.15ha) area under bank bar, 0.16 % (670.77ha) area under old meander , 0.05 % (212.41ha) under oxbow lake and 6.40% (26026.03ha) was covered by Palaeochannels.
Figure-2: Hydrogeomorphological Map of Sultanpur and Amethi District, 2015
younger alluvial plains was recorded in Kurwar (18.34 % of total area) block followed by Dhanpatganj (14.29%), Balderai ( 12.57%), Musafirkhana ( 15.95%), Dubepur (5.25%), Jagdishpur ( 4.84%), Lambhua (3.93%), Shukulbajar (4.34%), Bhadainya (3.34%), P.P. Kamaicha (3.17%), Kurebhar (1.66%), Kadepur (0.88%), Karaundi Kalan (0.70%) and Jaisinghpur (0.21%) blocks.
Table- 1: Hydrogeomorphic Landforms and Groundwater Prospects, 2015
Older alluvial plain:Older alluvial plain (Bangar) is the geomorphic landform generally located for from the channels and characterized with higher ground. Such flood plains are composed of series of layers of clay, silt, loam, sand cables on boulders, coarser sediments and fragments occupying the bottom near the bed rock, while surface layers ranging sand to clay vary horizontally, i.e., coarser particles occur nearer the steam and finer ones away from it (Ahmad, 1985). Major portion of the study area comes under old flood plain which is depending on the variations in height and micro-level characteristics. On satellite image this landform was identified and delineated with medium to light red, gray, white, mixed tone, course to medium texture and irregular shape. Older alluvial plain covers an area of 96.25 percent (394851.06 ha) of the total area of the region which varies from 71.80 per cent in Kurwar block to 99.32 per cent in Sangrampur block. Area under this category of geomorphic features in other blocks are- Shukulbazar (88.3%), Baldirai (78.55), Jagdishpur (91.43%), Dhanpatganj (73.43), Musafirkhana (78.28%), Kurebhar (91%), Jamo (94.22), Dubepur (86.35), Shahgarh (90.60), Gauriganj (86.5%), Bhetua (93.65), Akhandnagar (89.40), Bhadaiya (86.41%), Amethi (95.02%), Bhadar (91.50%), P.P. Kamaicha (91.96%), Karaundia Kalan (98.49), Lambhua (87.83), Motigarpur (92.50%), Dostpur (92.63%), Jaisinghpur (95.46%), Kadipur (92.97%).
Gullied/ravinous area: A gully is a relatively deep, vertical-walled channel, recently formed within a valley where no well-defined channel previously existed. It is commonly found in sloping lands, developed as a result of concentrated run-off over fairly long time. In the study area it was more common on sloping surface along the Gomati River. On the satellite image they were identified by brighter shade than the surrounding background, medium to slightly coarse image texture with grayish tones. The gullied area amounts to 0.42 percent (1732.82 ha.) of the total geographical area. The highest percentage of such type of lands was recorded in Balderai (2.56% of total area) blocks followed by Dubepur (2.40%), Kurwar (1.46%), Dhanpatganj (1.10 %) and Kurebhar (0.59%) etc.
Back swamp: Back swamp areas typically have low relief formed on back of natural levee on either side or on both side of river channel. Natural levee obstruct the natural drainage of the area and this results in swampy conditions. During floods when water spills over natural levee form shallow pond and finer material gets deposited here depending upon distance from active channel. This finer material form impervious layer which does not allow water to percolate down and water remains there throughout the year. Such area has relatively poor surface and sub-surface drainage. They possess extensive layers of silt and day with finer texture. Area of back- swamps are usually marked by darker tone on imagery
Sl.N o
Landform/feature Area
( in ha.)
Area ( %)
Ground water
prospects
1 Younger Alluvial plain 17574.27 3.75 very good to good
2 Older Alluvial plain 394851.06 96.25 very good to good
3 Gullied/ Ravinous area 1732.82 0.42 good to moderate
4 Back swamp 2001.12 0.49 very good to good
5 Bank bar 134.15 0.03 excellent
6 Old meander 670.77 0.16 excellent
7 Oxbow lake 212.41 0.05 excellent
.Back swamps in Sultanpur district was accounted for only 0.45 percent (2001.14 ha) of the total geographical area. At the block level it is highest in Dostpur (2.00% of total area) block followed by Gauriganj (1.14%), Akhandnagar (1.11%), Kurebhar (1.07%), Kadipur (1.03%), Bhadaiya (1.02%), Shahgarh (0.95%), Dhanpatganj (0.44%), Shukulbazar (0.40%), Karaundi Kalan (0.40%), Bhadar (0.39%), Jaisinghpur (0.37%), Musafirkhana (0.06%) and Kurwar (0.07%) blocks .
Bank bar: A bank bar is the geomorphic landform formed by deposition of huge amount of sand and gravel that accumulates on the inside bend of streams and rivers below the slip-off slope. bank bars are found in abundance in meandering streams. They are crescent-shaped and located on the inside of a stream bend, being very similar to, though often smaller than, towheads, or river islands. They also have a very gentle slope and an elevation very close to water level. Since they are low-lying, they are often overtaken by floods and can accumulate driftwood and other debris during times of high water levels. This type of landform were observed in the six blocks of the study area namely Musafirkhana (44.72 ha.), Kurwar (33.54 ha.), Jagdishpur (22.34ha.), Baldirai (11.18 ha.), Dhanpatganj (11.18 ha) and Dubepur (11.18 ha).
Old meander: The old rivers tend to be associated with flood plains.On the satellite image the Old meanders can be identified and delineated with medium to dark red tone. The old meanders were observed on 0.16 percent (670.77ha.) area of the total geographical area of the district. These are delineated in These are delineated in 6 blocks namely Dhanpatganj (1.98%), P.P.Kamaicha (0.94%), Musafirkhana (0.35%), Lambhua (0.19%),Balderai (0.05%) and Bhadainya (0.05%) etc.
Oxbow lake : An oxbow lake is formed when a river creates a meander due to the river's eroding the bank through hydraulic action, abrasion and corrosion. After a long period of time, the meander becomes very curved, and eventually the neck of the meander will touch the opposite side and the river will cut through the neck, cutting off the meander to form the oxbow lake. The hydro dynamics of these water bodies is influenced by the river water inclusion, quality of inflowing water from the catchments area and the amount of precipitation in which lake is isolated. In the study area, oxbow lakes were observed in Akhandnagar (13.16 ha.), Jamo (67.08 ha) and Baldirai (11.18 ha.) block.
Palaeochannel : A palaeochannel/abandoned is a geomorphological expression of an abandoned river channel which is caused either human or natural factor. The satellite images provided a very clear vision of polaeochannels and earlier river routes where as they are not visible in the field by naked eyes. Due to its specific terrain and underlying materials, the earlier river courses bear their distinct appearance with dark tone. However, crescent shape, tone, texture and location factors have been taken into consideration for mapping of previous river channels through imagery interpretations. About 6.40% (26026.03 ha.) of the total area is under this feature. The highest percentage of area under paleaochannels features is recorded in Gauriganj (12.66 % of total area)blocks followed by Akhandnagar (8.69 %), Shahgarh (7.98%), Bhadainya (7.97%), Bhadar(7.78%), Bhetua(6.83%), Motigarpur (6.77%), Kurwar (6.36%), Jamo (6.06%), Balderai (5.98%), Lambhua (5.56%), Kurebhar (5.45%), Shhukulbajar (5.26%), Dostpur(5.12%), Kadipur (4.91%), Dubepur (4.65%), Amethi (4.62%), Jaisinghpur (4.30%), Jagdishpur (3.38%), Musafirkhana (2.91%), P.P.Kamaicha (2.38%) and Sangrampur (0.96%) etc.
Groundwater Prospects:
CONCLUSION
The results of the study shows that the remote sensing data of Landsat 7 ETM + product and GIS are very significant tools of hydrogromorpholigical investigatin and mapping. Hydrogromorpholigical map provide a good source of information for deliniating groundwater potential zones. The present study reveals that the major portion of the study area was registered very good to good and exellent groundwater prospects. Some pockets in gullied zones were found to be moderate groundwater potential.As a whole the results of the present study prove the relevence of remote sensing and GIS techniques in hydrogeomorpolohical investigation , mapping and analysing groundwater prospects.
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