Hypsometric analysis of Kali River Basin, Karnataka, India, using geographic information system

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 (<0.56) indicate least effect of diffusive processes and another six sub-basins with medium hypsometric head values (0.60-0.68) depict moderate diffusive erosion. The remaining eight sub-basins with higher hypsometric head values (>0.75) indicate highest diffusive processes at their upper reaches. Lower (<0.28) and higher (>0.44) hypsometric toe values indicate minimum and maximum mass accumulation respectively at the sub-catchment mouth.