Morphometric analysis using SRTM and GIS in synergy with depiction: a case study of the Karmanasa River basin, North central India

The Karmanasa basin is spread over the Kaimur sandstone (Upper Vindhyan) and marginal Ganga plain with the areal extension of about 7926 km2. The quantitative approach of the basin development of the Karmanasa River basin was carried out by the morphometric parameters. The drainage network was extracted from SRTM data. The trellis pattern characterizes upstream of the drainage basin, while the dendritic pattern is noticed in middle and downstream of the basin. The drainage density (0.34–0.44) indicates that the basin has highly permeable subsoil and thick vegetative cover. Relatively larger values of form factor (SW-1, SW-2, SW-3, SW-6 and KW) signify higher flow peak for a shorter duration. High values of ruggedness number and relief ratio suggest that Karmanasa basin is prone to soil erosion. The present work shows that the Karmanasa basin is less prone to flood, vulnerable to soil erosion and a good resource of surface water. This study would help to utilize the water resources and extended for sustainable development of the Karmanasa River basin area.