A Quantitative Study of Hydraulic Parameters of Thamirabarani River

Abstract

Each channel has unique characteristics of its own; River Thamirabarani being no exception. The project proposal aims at investigating the hydraulic geometry of the Thamirabarani River from Pothigai to the downstream up to Srivaikundam [1]. The interrelationship among stream sediment load, channel width and channel depth shows the nature of hydraulic geometry of Thamirabarani River channel. Due to the effect of Papanasam dam the natural flow of this river has been obstructed, and this is resulting in reduced discharge at downstream [2]. Confluences of major tributaries such as Manimuthar, Servalaru, Gadana and Ramanadhi may play significant role for the influx of extra discharge and sediment load to the main river. This extra sediment influx is also responsible for frequent bar formation in the river channel. The input morphometric maps have to be prepared using GIS and Remote Sensing tools like Arc GIS 10.1 and Global Mapper [3].