An Overview of Geomorphological Mapping: A Case Study of Rimbi Chhu River Basin, Sikkim, India

Abstract

Geomorphology is the primary science which demonstrates the basic understanding and mapping of terrain features. A geomorphological map consists of scientific data and dynamic source of information on characteristics of landforms, their origin and evolution, which can be recorded in a map form. Basin hydrology also gets impacted by the terrain features of a basin as overland flow, stream flow and through flow is largely determined by the underneath surface. The configuration of the basin topography reflects the nature of the interaction between process and form. Profound understanding and in depth analysis of geomorphological features of a river basin can provide beneficial information for predicting, preventing and mitigating natural hazards; managing natural resources sustainably for future generation. Implementation of remote sensing and GIS techniques have fostered incredible improvements in landform recognition and accelerated the growth of geomorphological research. The river Rimbi Chhu has been selected as the study area in order to determine terrain configuration in relation with geomorphological features of the basin area. Visual representation of terrain (such as aspect, slope, channel networks, different river profiles, shaded relief and flow direction) and geomorphological (saddle, ridge line, convex-concave slope, rounded hills, fault for instance) derivatives is therefore illustrated, as well as a description of the challenges and crisis that can occur in this context.