Morphometric Analysis Approach for Recharge and Soil Erosion Potential in Agaram Watershed, Javadi Hill Range, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The present study makes an attempt to study drainage morphometry and its influence on hydrology of Agaram Watershed, Tamil Nadu, India. For detailed study, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) data was used to create Digital Elevation Model (DEM), aspect grid and slope maps. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used in evaluation of linear, areal, relief and gradient aspects of morphometric parameters. The study reveals that the elongated shape of the basin is mainly due to the guiding effect of thrusting and faulting. The lower order streams are found mostly dominating in the basin. The mean Bifurcation Ratio of the entire basin is 3.80, indicating that the drainage pattern is not much influenced by geological structures. The Relief ratio of the basin is 0.018. This indicates that the discharge capability of the watershed is very high and the groundwater potential is meager. Morphometric analysis of Agaram watershed reveals that about 38% of the area was highly suitable for rainwater harvesting and about 25% of the watershed coming under high alarming of soil erosion. This study is very useful for planning rainwater harvesting and watershed management.