Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences 3(3): 221-233, 2011

ISSN: 2041-0492
© Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011
Received: November 25, 2010 Accepted: December 25, 2010 Published: April 05, 2011

Significance of Morphometry Studies, Soil Characteristics, Erosion Phenomena

and Landform Processes Using Remote Sensing and GIS for Kodaikanal Hills,
A Global Biodiversity Hotpot in Western Ghats, Dindigul District,
Tamil Nadu, South India

M. Bagyaraj and B. Gurugnanam

GIT Lab, Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University,
Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: An attempt is made to study the significance of morphometry, integrating Remote Sensing data and
techniques in addition to the conventional methods in a GIS platform. The Western Ghats are amongst the
eighteen biodiversity hot-spots recognized globally (WCMC, 1992) and are known for their high levels of
endemism. Kodaikkanal Hills are parts of Palani hills of Western Ghats. The study has demonstrated the
potential use of remotely sensed data and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in evaluation of linear, relief
and areal morphometric parameters and to analyze their influence on the genesis and processes of landforms
and characteristics of soil parameters like texture, drainage and land erosion conditions. Visual interpretation
of satellite data in analysis of geological, landforms and land erosion characteristics in conjunction with
drainage pattern facilitates effective delineation of distinct features to evaluate the influence of drainage
morphometry. GIS is an effective tool to analyze spatial and non-spatial data on drainage, geology, landforms
and soil parameters to understand their inter-relationships. Geo-coded resource database generated on drainage,
landforms and soil parameters in the core of GIS provides an excellent means of storing, retrieving and
analyzing data at river basin level to find out their association. It also provides a powerful mechanism not only
to upgrade and monitor morphometric parameters but also to permit the spatial analysis of other associated
resources database. An attempt has been made to utilize the interpretation capabilities of GIS to find out the
relationships between the morphometric parameters at sub basin level.

Key words: Bio diversity hotspots, GIS, land form, morphometry, relief, remote sensing, slope

INTRODUCTION gradient of channel network and contributing ground

slopes of the drainage basin. Detailed analysis of drainage
Morphometric studies involve evaluation of streams parameters is of great help in understanding the influence
through the measurement of various stream properties. of drainage morphometry on landforms and their
analysis of various drainage parameters namely ordering characteristics. The Western Ghats are amongst the
of the various streams and measurement of area of basin, eighteen biodiversity hot-spots recognized globally and
perimeter of basin, length of drainage channels, drainage are known for their high levels of endemism (Selvaraj,
density (Dd), drainage frequency, bifurcation ratio 2002). The study complements the efforts to understand
(Rb), texture ratio (T) and circulatory ratio (Rc) the inter-relationship of various factors for planning,
(Kumar et al., 2000). GIS and image processing biodiversity management and disaster prone area
techniques have been adopted for the identification of
zonation.
morphological features and analyzing their properties of
As compared to the conventional morphometry
the Lower Gostani River Basin (LGRB) area in Andhra
Pradesh state, India (Nageswarara Rao, 2010). River studies, using Remote Sensing enables extant ground
basins comprise a distinct morphologic region and have reality inputs to assess changes in drainage patterns,
special relevance to drainage pattern and geomorphology density soil characteristics, Landuse changes and
(Doornkamp and Cuchlaine, 1971; Strahler, 1957). landforms present in real time.
Horton’s law of stream lengths suggests a geometric In this context High Spatial Resolution Indian
relationship between the number of stream segments in Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS)-P6 Linear Image Self
successive stream orders and landforms (Horton, 1945). Scanning (LISS)-4 sensor data of 7 July 2002, Survey of
Quantitative description of the basin morphometry also India (SOI) topographical sheets (1:50,000 scale) and
requires the characterization of linear and areal features, field verification data were used for systematic analysis of

Corresponding Author: B. Gurugnanam, GIT Lab, Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-
608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
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Fig. 1: Study area

various Geomorphic processes, hydrological and landform richness of epiphytes, orchids and thirteen different
characteristics of the study area. Drainage Network varieties of Shola forests are unique. Species accorded
analysis was carried out at basin level using Spatial highly endangered status such as Nigligi Tahr (a mountain
Analysis GIS System (ArcGIS. 9.3) to identify the goat and the state animal are endemic to the region), Also
influence of drainage morphometry on landforms, the Shola forests serve as traditional Aniaml corridors for
drainage, and land erosion characteristics. The study Bison, deer, elephants and the tiger. By virtue of sheer
demonstrates the fact that integrated Remote Sensing and antiquity and virtual non regeneration they are termed as
GIS based approach is more appropriate and useful than ‘living fossils’. Sunlight can not sufficiently penetrate the
conventional methods. The study seeks to utilize the canopy and the accumulated litter and high alleochemical
interpretation capabilities of GIS to find out the presence seeds can not let seeds to germinate. Loss of
relationships between the morphometric parameters at sub these unique systems is permanent and irreplaceable.
basin level on one hand and landforms, soil physical and They also remain as the watershed region of Vaigai,
eroded land characteristics on the other hand. The study Manjalar Rivers catering to southern districts of Tamil
complements the efforts to understand the inter- Nadu. Destruction of these forests will amount to
relationship of various interacting factors for planning, extinction of a vast array of plants and animals.
biodiversity management and disaster prone area Conservation efforts have to be interdisciplinary in nature
zonation. and this study is one such attempt. The study area is
Study area (Fig. 1) Kodaikanal hills is located in the anthropologically significant in that it is inhabited from
Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu with an area of 1039.46 prehistoric period and still there are tribals living in their
km2. It is geographically located between 77º14!26" and ancient way.
77º45!28" E longitudes and 10º6!25" and 10º26!54" N On a tourism perspective the region is widely hailed
latitudes. In the survey of India toposheet, it forms part of as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ owing to the popularity
58 F/7, 8, 11 and 12 on 1:50,000 scale. It is a part of the it gained during British Raj. The climatic condition of the
Western Ghats which is designated as one of the eighteen study area is characterized by humid conditions. Relative
Biodiversity hotspots of the world. As a biodiversity humidity is high during retreating NE monsoon season
hotspot it has variety of endemic flora and fauna. Its (October to mid December). The mean temperature of

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Kodaikanal taluk is 15.93ºC with a mean summer resource evaluation, analysis and management. An
temperature of 17.29ºC (June, July and August) and mean attempt has been made to utilize the interpretative
winter (December, January and February) temperature of techniques of GIS to find out the relationships between
14.10ºC. The average annual rainfall is 1436.87mm. The the morphometric parameters at sub basin level on the one
study area is fully covered by hills. The plain area forms hand and landforms, soil physical and eroded lands
a small part. The hilly area is in the form of undulating characteristics on the other hand.
terrain and slope towards south-southeast and east. The
maximum elevation is 2517 m, located in the south west METHODOLOGY
portion. Labour intensive tea and coffee plantations and
extensive vegetable cultivation mark the place. The The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS)-P6 Satellite Linear
settlements are created on the man made terraces and are Image Self Scanning (LISS) - 4 sensor data of 7 March
densely populated in isolated pockets. Hence drainage 2002 were collected and registered to Survey of India
patterns are intensely modified increasing the risk of (SOI) topographical sheets at 1:50,000 scale in the
landslide hazards. ERDAS image analysis system version. 9.3. The Kodai
Surface drainage characteristics of many river basins hills of Dindigul district was delineated based on the
and sub basins in different parts of the globe have been water divide line concept. The drainage network of the
studied using conventional methods (Horton, 1945; basin was traced on transparency and digitized as
Strahler, 1952, 1957, 1964; Morisawa, 1959; Leopold and available on toposheets (1:50,000) and some of the first
Miller, 1956; Krishnamurthy et al., 1996). order steams were updated with the help of satellite sensor
The aim of the study was to demonstrate the potential data. The elevation model was generated based on the
use of remotely sensed data and Geographical Information contour values of 500 m interval to generate height and
Systems (GIS) in evaluation of linear, relief and areal slope maps. The basin was divided into 48 sub basins and
morphometric parameters and to analyze their influence morphometric analysis was carried out at sub basin level
on the genesis and processes of landforms and in the Spatial Analysis GIS System (ArcGIS version. 9.3)
characteristics of soil parameters like texture, drainage methodology flow chart (Fig. 2). Some areas have been
and land erosion conditions. Visual interpretation of left out in the process of delineation of sub basins and
satellite data in analysis of geological, landforms and land were considered as unclassified. Based on the drainage
erosion characteristics in conjunction with drainage order, the drainage channels were classified into different
pattern facilitates effective delineation of distinct features orders (Strahler, 1964). In GIS, drainage channel
to evaluate the influence of drainage morphometry on segments were ordered numerically as order number 1
landform characteristics and their processes. The high from a stream’s headwaters to a point down stream. The
spatial resolution remotely sensed data coupled with stream segment that results from the joining of two first
topographical data analysis procedures have made order streams was assigned order 2. Two second order
satellite sensor data based morphometric analysis is a streams formed a third order stream and so on. The sub
highly effective tool to understand and manage the natural basin area, perimeter, cumulative length of streams and
resources (Srinivasan, 1988). It provides the real time and basin length were measured in GIS and are expressed as
accurate information related to distinct geological A, P, L and Lb respectively. Parameters such as
formations, landforms and helps in identification of ruggedness number (Rn), drainage density, bifurcation
drainage channels, which are altered by natural forces or ratio, stream frequency (Fu), texture ratio, form factor
anthropogenic activities. Multispectral satellite sensor (Rf), circulatory ratio (Rc), elongation ratio (Re) and
data provides a convenient means to analyze drainage and constant of channel maintenance (C) were evaluated with
distinct landform characteristics at various scales. GIS is established mathematical equations (Strahler, 1964)
an effective tool to analyze spatial and non-spatial data on (Table 1). The Study was contacted for parts of Kodai
drainage, geology, landforms and soil parameters to hills of Dindigul district. Base information is extracted
understand their inter-relationships. Geo-coded resource from toposheets. Satellite data (2002) was used to extract
database generated on drainage, landforms and soil landform characteristics. The study carried out in the year
parameters in the core of GIS provides an excellent means 2010.
of storing, retrieving and analyzing data at river basin The evaluated morphometric parameters were
level to find out their association. It also provides a grouped as linear, relief and areal parameters. Visual
powerful mechanism not only to upgrade and monitor interpretation techniques were followed for delineation of
morphometric parameters but also to permit the geology, landforms, and soil boundaries and degraded
spatial analysis of other associated resources database lands based on the tone, texture, shape, drainage pattern,
(Jain et al., 1995). Integration of remotely sensed data and color and differential erosion characteristics of the
GIS thereby provides an efficient way in analysis of satellite imagery in conjunction with drainage
morphometric parameters and landform characteristics for morphometry and collateral data. Subsequently detailed

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BASEMAP PREPRATION (SOI)

TOPOGRAPHICAL SHEET l :50000 SCALE

Significance of m morphometry studies characteristics, erosion phenomena and

landform processes using Remote Sensing and GIS

SATELITE DATA (IRS-P6 SOIL SURVEY OF GEOLOGICAL TOPOGRAPHICAL SHEET

LISS) 4MX) INDIA SURVEY OF INDIA 1:50000 scale

IMAGE ANALYSIS- SOIL SERIES GEOLOGY DRAINAG ELEVATION

DIGITAL EROSION MAP STREAM SLOPE MAP

LANDFORMS SUB BASIN

MORPHOMETRIC
ANALYSIS

LINEAR AND RELIFE AREAL

MORPHOMETRIC MORPHOMETRIC

GEOGRAPHICAL
INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

CONCLUSION

Fig. 2: Methodology flow chart

Table 1: Morphometric parameters and their mathematical expressions

S.No. Morphometric parameter Formula Description
1 Cumulative length of streams (L) L = 3Nu L was calculated as the number of streams in each order and total length of each
order was computed at sub basin level
2 Bifurcation ratio (Rb) Rb = Nu/(Nu + 1) Rb was computed as the ratio between the number of streams of any given order
to the number of streams in the next higher order
3 Basin relief (Bh) Bh = hmax – hmax Bh was defined as the maximum vertical distance between the lowest and the
highest points of a sub basin
4 Ruggedness number (Rn) Rn = Bh × Dd Rn was calculated as the product of the basin relief and its drainage density
5 Drainage density (Dd) Dd = L/A Dd was measured as the length of stream channel per unit area of drainage basin
6 Stream frequency (Fu) Fu = N/A Fu was computed as the ratio between the total number of streams and area of
the basin
7 Texture ratio (T) T = N(1/P) T was estimated as the ratio between the first order streams and perimeter of the
basin
8 Form factor (Rf) Rf = A/(Lb)2 Rf was computed as the ratio between the basin area and square of the basin length

× A/%A/PB
9 Elongation ratio (Re) Re = (2/Lb) Re was computed as the ratio between the diameter of the circle having the same
area as that of basin) and the maximum length of the basin
10 Constant of channel maintenance (C) C = km2/km C is expressed as the inverse of drainage density

landform analysis has been carried out based on their associated with dissected hills and escarpments in the
genesis, relief and their morphometric characteristics. south west portion of the study area (Fig. 3).
The elevation ranging from 2000-2500 m above MSL
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION is mainly confined to Hill top plains/Dissected plateau
and structural hill. The elevation ranging from 0 to 500 m
Elevation: The elevation of the study area reveals that above MSL is mainly associated with lower parts of foot
higher elevation of 2517 m above mean sea level is slopes, structural hill and pediments.

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Fig. 3. Elevation map of Kodai hills

Fig. 4: Slope map of Kodai hills

Slope: In the study area, the slope values vary from 0 to sub basins except in sub basins 10, 14, 22 and 36. The
60º. The slope values have been categorized in to five moderately sloping areas (5-10º) are in association with
groups namely 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-30, and above 30º, Structural hill, Pediment and Structural valley zones and
(Fig. 4). Gentle slopes (0-5º) are observed in hill top occupy about 28% of area in the lower parts of all the sub
plain/dissected plateau and valley fill zones covering basins except in sub basin n. 10. Moderately steep slopes
13.73% of the total area. These slopes are found in all the (10-15º) are found all the sub basins except in sub basin

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Fig. 5. Geology map of Kodai hills

Fig. 6. Stream order map of Kodai hills

nos. 10, 18 and 20 located in the western and eastern parts in sub basin 10, 16, 18, 31, 35, 36, 37, 40 and 46 covering
of the study area. These slopes are in association with Hill 29.55% of the study areas. These slopes exist mainly in
top plains, Pediment and Structural hills with an area of the north-western, central and north-eastern parts of the
about 22.99%. Steep slopes (15-30º) are associated with study area. Steep slopes are characterized with high
dissected plateau, Pediment, structural hill; structural drainage density and high stream frequency. Very steep
valley and valley fill are found in all the sub basins except slopes (>30º) mainly cover the upper parts of sub basins

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Table 2: Linear and relief morphometric parameters at sub basin level

Drainage Order in (no) Cumulative
Basin Perimeter, ---------------------------------------------- length, L Bifurcation Basin height Ruggedness
Sub basin length (Km) P (Km) N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 Total no. N ( Km) ratio, Rb Bh (m) no., Rn
1 8.65 29.11 174 34 49 15 272 109.57 4.97 980 0.64
2 6.03 20.73 133 65 34 22 4 258 97.76 2.02 1640 1.10
3 7.46 57.74 276 103 32 2 413 228.94 2.65 1880 1.04
4 2.10 19.21 75 32 7 114 55.20 2.27 3040 2.51
5 3.20 15.62 93 40 133 49.14 2.27 780 0.61
6 4.41 34.71 151 67 29 14 261 100.05 2.22 1280 0.91
7 7.86 27.13 111 57 20 19 207 81.24 1.91 400 0.21
8 3.97 30.45 113 56 27 10 206 78.88 1.98 800 0.48
9 3.19 28.04 132 65 30 227 93.91 2.00 1120 0.77
10 1.23 6.23 11 6 17 7.37 1.57 380 0.23
11 5.00 22.16 96 40 22 4 162 68.46 2.34 1300 0.77
12 2.79 16.15 45 16 20 1 82 34.09 2.65 1020 0.55
13 5.42 21.41 80 38 25 143 75.17 2.05 1500 0.93
14 3.57 16.19 45 19 64 37.85 2.25 1340 0.71
15 5.88 18.55 69 21 14 10 114 50.34 3.14 180 0.09
16 4.75 20.78 110 59 17 186 81.24 1.83 380 0.26
17 5.04 31.64 118 59 38 3 218 98.11 1.97 1049 0.64
18 1.96 10.05 35 15 7 57 22.12 2.19 280 0.19
19 5.49 23.19 186 85 61 7 339 129.03 2.16 480 0.34
20 2.45 16.30 54 25 10 89 35.78 2.08 880 0.58
21 3.41 16.81 90 36 30 156 28.44 2.43 1320 0.92
22 5.88 23.05 92 35 17 144 78.08 2.56 920 0.63
23 4.59 15.61 90 56 24 170 63.58 1.58 720 0.53
24 3.55 10.06 24 9 4 37 15.84 2.40 700 0.40
25 9.11 36.11 290 121 39 7 457 190.08 2.38 1400 0.80
26 4.15 18.94 120 40 40 6 206 80.40 2.93 760 0.58
27 2.97 11.21 34 17 12 63 23.41 1.89 340 0.18
28 6.27 26.19 97 41 16 9 163 73.29 2.31 880 0.60
29 5.49 31.91 90 45 19 154 96.72 1.96 1820 0.97
30 11.89 52.32 438 237 83 30 788 381.42 1.84 1480 0.91
31 4.66 14.38 90 35 30 155 64.72 2.50 220 0.27
32 3.48 15.03 55 17 10 1 83 40.81 3.06 1000 0.62
33 3.20 14.08 59 32 13 104 43.37 1.79 880 0.64
34 3.07 14.95 47 21 6 1 75 33.63 2.14 460 0.29
35 2.93 11.94 42 24 6 1 73 27.78 1.68 360 0.34
36 0.97 5.30 12 3 2 17 4.71 3.00 860 0.55
37 2.69 12.92 39 19 3 61 23.43 1.95 260 0.13
38 3.33 15.84 65 32 7 104 40.33 1.97 340 0.21
39 2.76 10.95 40 10 7 1 58 25.25 3.64 500 0.35
40 5.31 25.48 99 51 11 161 70.83 1.90 160 0.08
41 2.23 9.13 21 10 3 34 15.13 1.91 320 0.19
42 2.93 34.55 125 38 11 174 79.07 3.21 1200 0.70
43 4.45 18.69 68 21 1 1 91 44.59 3.09 1520 0.73
44 2.96 13.78 55 23 12 90 33.78 2.29 180 0.13
45 6.79 32.24 225 102 30 12 369 158.63 2.18 1400 0.97
46 2.78 12.69 34 19 6 59 27.53 1.70 400 0.23
47 2.56 12.88 48 19 8 6 81 32.86 2.40 800 0.06
48 4.64 23.14 156 61 5 222 99.95 2.52 940 0.58

2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30, 42, 43 and 48 regional metamorphism dominated by rocks of the
and are in association with neck of Hill top, dissected granulite facies. The origin of charnockite is a matter of
plateau, pediment and structural hill covering an area of controversy. The Charnockite rocks occupy most of the
about 5.73% of the Study area. total geographical area of the basin area (nearly 80.61%)

Geology: The study area has the following rock types. Granitic gneiss: The important mineral constituents
They are Charnockite, Granitic gneiss, Laterite and present in granitic gneisses are quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Anorthosite (Fig. 5). Among these rock types, the This rock type is distributed along the east and
Charnockites are found over large area in 837.90 km2. southeastern part of the study area. These formations
The granitic gneisses cover less area in 195.58 km2 and occupy nearly 18.81% of total geographical area of the
are observed in the southeastern portion. The other rock basin.
types namely Anorthosites 3.59 km2 and Laterite 2.34 km2
are distributed over very small areas and are observed in Anorthosite: The anorthosite is present in the north east
the northeastern portion of the study area. portion of the study area. The anorthosite is present over
a very small area occupies nearly 0.35%.
Charnockite: Charnockite forms the bulk of the units of
the study area. Charnockite is a coarse granular rock Laterite: The laterite is present in the North West portion
consisting mainly of quartz, feldspar, and hypersthenes. of the study area. The laterite formation covers a very
The charnockite habitually occurs in terrains of high grade small area of nearly 0.23%.

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Table 3: Areal morphometric parameters of sub basins

Area A Steam frequency, Drainage Texture Form factore, Circulatory Elongation ratio, Constant of channel
Sub basin (Km2) Fu density, Dd ratio, T Rf ratio, Rc Re maintenance, C
1 31.72 8.58 3.45 5.98 0.42 0.47 0.69 0.29
2 26.22 9.84 3.73 6.42 0.72 0.77 0.81 0.27
3 72.1 5.73 3.18 4.78 1.30 0.27 0.80 0.31
4 11.91 9.57 4.63 3.90 2.69 0.41 0.39 0.22
5 11.37 11.70 4.32 5.95 1.11 0.59 0.46 0.23
6 26.25 9.94 3.81 4.35 1.35 0.27 0.48 0.26
7 28.14 7.36 2.89 4.09 0.46 0.48 0.66 0.35
8 24.37 8.45 3.24 3.71 1.55 0.33 0.51 0.31
9 26.02 8.72 3.61 4.71 2.56 0.42 0.59 0.28
10 2.24 7.59 3.29 1.77 1.47 0.72 0.23 0.30
11 23.91 6.78 2.86 4.33 0.96 0.61 0.69 0.35
12 11.91 6.88 2.86 2.79 1.53 0.57 0.47 0.35
13 23.76 6.02 3.16 3.74 0.81 0.65 0.71 0.32
14 14.21 4.50 2.66 2.78 1.11 0.68 0.56 0.38
15 19.47 5.86 2.59 3.72 0.56 0.71 0.67 0.39
16 22.80 8.16 3.56 5.29 1.01 0.66 0.70 0.28
17 30.40 7.17 3.23 3.73 1.20 0.38 0.61 0.31
18 6.13 9.30 3.61 3.48 1.60 0.76 0.39 0.28
19 34.49 9.83 3.74 8.02 1.14 0.81 0.95 0.27
20 10.37 8.58 3.45 3.31 1.73 0.49 0.41 0.29
21 17.7 8.81 1.61 5.35 1.52 0.79 0.67 0.62
22 20.87 6.90 3.74 3.99 0.60 0.49 0.58 0.27
23 16.12 10.55 3.94 5.77 0.77 0.83 0.66 0.25
24 5.35 6.92 2.96 2.39 0.42 0.66 0.34 0.34
25 63.23 7.23 3.01 8.03 0.76 0.61 1.12 0.33
26 19.71 10.45 4.08 6.34 1.14 0.69 0.66 0.25
27 8.39 7.51 2.79 3.03 0.95 0.84 0.48 0.36
28 20.55 7.93 3.57 3.70 0.52 0.38 0.50 0.28
29 35.28 4.37 2.74 2.82 1.17 0.44 0.70 0.36
30 119.72 6.58 3.19 8.37 0.85 0.55 1.46 0.31
31 9.95 15.58 6.50 6.26 0.46 0.60 0.44 0.15
32 12.57 6.60 3.25 3.66 1.04 0.70 0.53 0.31
33 11.28 9.22 3.85 4.19 1.10 0.71 0.51 0.26
34 10.13 7.40 3.32 3.14 1.08 0.57 0.43 0.30
35 6.74 10.83 4.12 3.52 0.78 0.59 0.36 0.24
36 1.37 12.41 3.44 2.26 1.45 0.61 0.16 0.29
37 8.48 7.19 2.76 3.02 1.17 0.64 0.42 0.36
38 12.38 8.40 3.26 4.10 1.11 0.62 0.50 0.31
39 7.11 8.16 3.55 3.65 0.94 0.74 0.41 0.28
40 26.19 6.15 2.70 3.89 0.93 0.51 0.65 0.37
41 4.75 7.16 3.18 2.30 0.96 0.72 0.33 0.31
42 25.72 6.77 3.07 3.62 3.00 0.27 0.47 0.33
43 17.69 5.14 2.52 3.64 0.89 0.64 0.60 0.40
44 8.84 10.18 3.82 3.99 1.01 0.58 0.41 0.26
45 43.75 8.43 3.63 6.98 0.95 0.53 0.86 0.28
46 9.11 6.48 3.02 2.68 1.18 0.71 0.46 0.33
47 85.32 0.95 0.39 3.73 13.02 6.46 4.22 2.60
48 30.16 7.36 3.31 6.74 1.40 0.71 0.83 0.30

Evaluation of morphometric parameters: The impermeable bedrock. Analyses of bifurcation ratio (Rb)
evaluation of development of drainage networks of the shows lower Rb values in the sub basins of 7, 10, 16, 17,
study area can provide some clues to understanding the 23, 27, 29, 30, 33, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41 and 46 and are
geomorphic processes and hydrological characteristics of attributed to the characteristics of less structural
the study area. For the purpose, the study area was disturbances which, in turn, has not distorted the drainage
divided into 48 sub-basins based on the water divide pattern (Strahler, 1964). Whereas, the higher Rb values in
(Fig. 6). The parameters considered for assessing the the sub basins of 1, 15, 32, 36 and 39 indicate high
linear aspects include stream order, stream number, structural complexity and low permeability of the sub
bifurcation ratio, basin length, and perimeter. surface strata.

Linear parameters: Stream order analysis shows that the Relief parameters: Basin relief (Bh) aspects of the sub
main basin is of Fifth order. Three sub basins (4, 9 and basins play an important role in drainage development,
14) were identified under third order, eighteen sub basins surface and sub surface water flow, permeability,
(1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35 landforms development and erosion properties of the
and 39) were under fourth order and two sub basins (2 and terrain. The analysis reveals that the all sub basins have
43) were under fifth order (Table 2). Analysis of relief more than 150 m (Table 2). The high Bh value
cumulative length of streams (L) shows that sub basins 3, indicates the gravity of water flow, low infiltration and
and 30 have the highest L value, whereas, sub basins 10 high runoff conditions. Ruggedness number (Rn)
and 36 have the lowest L value. The existence of high L indicates the structural complexity of the terrain. The
value is due to structural complexity, high relief and analysis shows that the sub basins 2, 3 and 4 are having

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Rn value more than 0.5 and the same is less than 0.10 in runoff. The sub basin no 47 have highest C values 2.60,
the sub basins 15, 40 and 47. The basins having high Rn respectively and are under very less structural
values are highly susceptible to erosion. disturbances and less runoff conditions.

Areal parameters: The parameters considered for the Drainage morphometry and its impact on landform
present study to understand the areal aspects include sub- characteristics: The underlying geology, exogenic and
basin area, drainage density, stream frequency, circularity endogenic activities, drainage morphometry and
ratio, texture ratio, and constant of channel maintenance. considerable changes in climate during the Quaternary,
The data obtained are given in (Table 3). Drainage density influences the genesis and morphology of landforms
(Dd) indicates that the low Dd exists in 21 and 47 sub (Subramanyan, 1981). In this study area, the Hill top
basins, having high permeable sub surface material and plains/dissected plateau landforms are associated with
are under dense vegetation cover and low relief. In high drainage density, bifurcation ratio and high
contrast, high Dd values are observed in sub basins 4, 5, cumulative length of first, second and third order streams.
26, 31 and 35 may be due to the presence of impermeable Structural hill, Pediment, structural valley and valley fill
sub surface material, sparse vegetation and high relief. (Fig. 7). Which are formed by the influence of permeable
The measurement of drainage density provides a geology, moderate to nearly level plains, medium to low
numerical measurement of landscape dissection and drainage density (<2.0), low cumulative length of streams
runoff potential. Analysis of stream frequency (FU) shows having fourth and fifth order streams.
low values of Fu existing in only one range from 0.95
(sub basins 47), in this basin having high permeable Landforms of upper reaches: The fluvio-denudational
geology and low relief. The all other sub basins where geomorphological processes are actively involved in
stream frequencies are high range (>5) impermeable sub- landscape reduction processes at upper reaches. These are
surface material, sparse vegetation and high relief in the form of plateau composed of charnockite rocks.
conditions prevail. Texture ratio (T) indicates that highest Dissected Plateau are found in following sub basin 1, 7,
T values are found in range from (>3) all the sub basins 17, 23, 25, 26, 30 and 31 represent a typical stream carved
without 10, 12, 14, 24, 36, 41, and 46 the lowest T values morphology comprising crested radiating eroded ridges
are noticed in above the sub basins. Thus it can infer that along the down slopes. The cluster of hills is
T values depend on the underlying geology, infiltration characterized by rill and gully erosion, smooth and
capacity of bedrock and relief aspects of the sub basins. rounded hilltop. The height of the ridges was found to
Analysis of form factor (Rf) reveals that sub basins decrease progressively on the eastern side of the study
having low Rf have less side flow for shorter duration and area, signifying intense linear headward stream erosion
high main flow for longer duration. This condition and slope retreat under high hydraulic gradients of
prevails in sub basins 1 and 24. High Rf exists in sub streams. These plateaus occupying nearly 24.84% of total
basin no 47 with high side flow for longer duration and geographical area are highly susceptible to severe erosion
low main flow for shorter duration causing high peak hazards. Pediments are broad gently sloping erosion
flows in a shorter duration. Circulatory ratio (Rc) values surface and of plain or low relief, in an arid or semiarid
approaching 1 indicates that the basin shapes are like region at the base of an abrupt and receding mountain
circular and as a result, it gets scope for uniform front; it is underlain by bedrock this pediment and are
infiltration and takes long time to reach excess water at mainly noticed in sub basin 3, 4, 5, 42 and 48, occupying
basin outlet, which further depend on the existing nearly 8.41% of total geographical area. Structural hills
geology, slope and land cover. The sub basin nos. 23, 27 have been identified in almost all the sub basins and are
and 47 are having highest Rc value of 6.46 and 0.84 delineated based on the image characteristics viz. valley
respectively, which support the above concept. Analysis fills are delineated with the help of satellite image. It is
of elongation ratio (Re) indicates that the areas with having more vegetation. The valley fills cover small
higher Re values have high infiltration capacity and low areas. The composite slopes are also identified.
runoff. The sub basin nos. 25 and 30 are characterized by
high Re and 36 and 41 sub basins have low Re Soil drainage characteristics of different landforms:
respectively. The sub basins having low Re values are Soil drainage pattern reflects a local condition such has
susceptible to high erosion and sedimentation load. surface drainage conditions, sub surface geology, type of
Constant of channel maintenance (C) depends on the rock landform, slope, erosion, landuse and soil development.
type, permeability, climatic regime, vegetation cover and The analysis reveals that soil drainage is excessive in the
relief as well as duration of erosion (Schumm, 1956). The higher elevations and poor in the low land areas of the
all the sub basins have low C values of 0.15 and 0.40 basin (NBSS&LUP, 1990). Selected soil profiles were
respectively. It indicates that these sub basins are under studied on different geomorphic units as per the procedure
the influence of high structural disturbance, low laid down by All India Soil and Land Use Survey
permeability, steep to very steep slopes and high surface organization (AISLUS, 1970) considering the

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Fig. 7. Landform map of Kodai hills

Fig. 8: Soil drainage map of Kodai hills

heterogeneity of topography, geology and vegetation Irugur-Vyogam and Pilamedu-Vylogam. The

conditions. The soils were classified following the USDA Chavadiparai-Samayanure soil series covered in sub basin
Handbook (USDA, 1990). The study area having six 17, 37, 38 and 47. In this soil very high drainage density,
types of soil series (SOIL SURVEY OF INDIA high bifurcation ratio and moderate steep slopes are the
Nomenclature) Chavadiparai-Samayanure, Chavadiparai- main causative factors for these soils. The Chavadiparai-
Vylogam, Irugur-miscellaneous, Irugur-Palaviduthi, Vylogam soil series covered in small area (0.30% basin

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Fig. 9: Eroded lands of Kodai hills

no 29, 30 and 33 are steep slope, drainage density and valley floor and foot slopes covering with an area of
stream frequency are the influencing factors for the 0.93% of total geographical area (Fig. 9).
genesis of these soil Irugur-miscellaneous soil series The high eroded lands are found on structural valley,
having moderate slope, high drainage density, are the dissected plateau and structural hill in the sub basins 2, 9,
main causative factors for these soils. 13, 14, 22, 30 and 48 unclassified areas. These are in
These soil occupied in 5% of the study area. Irugur- association with steep slopes to gentle slopes with
Palaviduthi covers majority of the study area of 65.82% moderate vegetation cover and high drainage density and
(Fig. 8). The high drainage density, high bifurcation ratio occupy nearly 8.80% of total geographical area. Moderate
and steep slopes are the main causative factors for these eroded lands are in association with gently to moderately
soils. These soils are in association with Structural hill sloping lands these lands cover an area of 26.15% of total
areas. The Irugur-Vylogam soils occupied in sub basin 2, geographical area. The low eroded lands are in associated
9, 13 and 42. These soils having steep to very steep with gently sloping areas. These lands are characterized
slopes, very high drainage density and stream frequency by high drainage density (>1.75), high bifurcation ratio
are the main contributing factors for the development of (>3.5), high form factor (>0.4) and high texture ratio
Irugur-Vylogam soils. The Pilamedu-Vylogam soil series (>2.5). These factors are the manifestation of the
cover 3.41% of the total geographical area. These soil underlying geology, moderate to high runoff and sparse
series occupied sub basin 5 and 6 having moderately steep vegetation cover. Very severely eroded lands are found in
slops, high drainage density, and high bifurcation ratio. areas of dissected to undulating topography in the sub
basins of 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 21 and occupy
Erosion characteristics of different landforms: The nearly an area of 64.10% of total geographical area. These
analysis of (IRS-P6 LISS-4 MX) satellite data in eroded lands are in association with steep to very steep
conjunction with slope gradient, drainage morphometry, slopes, very high drainage density (>2.5), very high
anural rainfalls, vegetation cover and ground truth stream frequency (>3.0) and less circulatory ratio
information enable to delineate and characterize four (<0.5).
categories of eroded lands i.e., very high, high, moderate,
and low. Very high eroded lands are found in very steep CONCLUSION
sloping lands having moderate drainage density, low form
factor and double cropped area. These lands are existed in The study reveals that remotely sensed data and GIS
the lower parts of sub basin nos. 2, 9, 10, and 43 in main based approach in evaluation of drainage morphometric

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parameters and their influence on landforms, soils and Doornkamp, J.C. and A.M.K. Cuchlaine, 1971.
eroded land characteristics at river basin level is more Numerical Analysis in Geomorphology - An
appropriate than the conventional methods. Interpretation Introduction. Edward Arnold, London.
of multi-spectral satellite sensor data is of great help in Horton, R.E., 1945. Erosional development of streams
analysis of drainage parameters and delineation of distinct and their drainage basins: Hydrophysical approach to
geological and landform units and eroded lands. GIS quantitative morphology. Bull. Geol. Soc. Am., 56:
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morphometric parameters and to explore the relationship Jain, S.K., S.M. Seth and R.K. Nema, 1995.
between the drainage morphometry and properties of Morphometric Analysis of Sei Dam Catchment using
landforms, soils and eroded lands. Different landforms GIS. Proceedings of National Symposium on
were identified in the basin based on visual interpretation Hydrology, Jaipur, pp: 5-7.
of satellite sensor data. These are dissected plateau, Krishnamurthy, J., G. Srinivas, V. Jayaram and
structural hill, structural valley and valley fill. The sub M.G. Chandrasekhar, 1996. Influence of rock types
basin 4, 5, 26, 31 and 35 and are associated with high and structures in the development of drainage
Drainage density (Dd), impermeable geology and high networks in typical hardrock terrain. ITC J., 3-4:
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ratio (Rb) and steep slopes are the main causative factors Kumar, R., S. Kumar, A.K. Lohani, R.K. Nema and
for the development of well drained soils. The soil R.D. Singh, 2000. Evaluation of geomorphological
drainage of the basin is associated with drainage characteristics of a catchment using GIS. GIS India,
morphometry and the majority of the area is under well- 9(3): 13-17.
drained condition. Low and moderate eroded lands are Leopold, L.B. and J.P. Miller, 1956. Ephemeral streams:
noticed in the sub basins of 1, 2, 5, 15 and 16, which are Hydraulic factors and their relation to the drainage
in association with high drainage density, stream network. U.S. Geological Survey, prof. pa 282-A.
frequency and texture ratio. The detailed quantitative Morisawa, M.E., 1959. Relation of morphometric
morphometric analysis at the sub basin level enables to properties to runoff in the Little Mill reek, Ohio,
understand the relationships among the different aspects drainge basin. Tech. rep. 17. Columbia University,
of the drainage patterns and their influence on landform Department of Geology, ONR, New York.
processes, drainage, and land erosion properties. The NBSS&LUP, 1990. Soils of Nagpur district, Maharashtra.
results reveal that the types of morphometry, underlying Report no. 514, NBSS&LUP, Publ. Nagpur, India,
geology and slope factors have great influence on the pp: 67.
gneiss and processes of the landforms. The derived Schumm, S.A., 1956. Evolution of drainage systems and
morphometric parameters of the study area are closely slopes in bad lands at Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
following with the values obtained in similar terrain Bull. Geol. Soc. Am., 67: 597-646.
conditions (Subramanian and Subramanyan, 1978). The Selvaraj, A., 2002. Assessing the ecological imbalance
morphometric parameters evaluated using GIS helped to and evolving the strategies to conserve the Sholas
understand various terrain parameters such as nature of (ever green forest) of Palani hills using Remote
the bedrock, infiltration capacity, runoff, etc. Similar Sensing GIS technologies. Ph.D. Thesis, H.K.R.H.
studies in conjunction with high resolution satellite data College, Uthamapalayam.
help in better understanding the landforms and their Srinivasan, P., 1988. Use of Remote sensing techniques
processes and drainage pattern demarcations for basin for detail hydro-geomorphological investigations in
area planning and management. part of Narmadasar command area M.P.J. Ind. Soc.
Conservation efforts should take into account the Remote Sens., 16(1): 55-62.
importance of a Biodiversity hot spot and an
Strahler, A.N., 1952. Dynamic basis of geomorphology.
interdisciplinary approach can pave way for sustainable
Bull. Geol. Soc. Am. 63: 923-938.
development and ecolo gical preservation. This study is
one such attempt. Strahler, A.N., 1957. Quantitative analysis of watershed
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 913-920.
Strahler, A.N., 1964. Quantitative Geomorphology of
The Authors are thankful to UGC Division, Basins and Channel Networks. In: Chow, V.T. (Ed.),
Government of India, for the financial support to execute Handbook of Applied Hydrology. Mcgraw Hill Book
the present research study. Company, NewYork.
Subramanian, S.K. and V. Subramanyan, 1978. Air
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