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

Abstract

Abstract Hypsometric analysis is useful for understanding the geomorphic stages of a river basin. Hypsometric parameters have been evaluated and curves are prepared forall 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. Keywords: hypsometric analysisKali Rivergeomorphic stagesgeographical information system Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank the University Grants Commission (UGC) of New Delhi for providing the financial assistance in the form of a Major Research Project (No.F.33-45/2007(SR)). The authors also acknowledge both the anonymous reviewers for their comments and suggestions which improved the quality of the manuscript.