Geomorphological Characterization and Spatial Distribution Analysis of Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka, Using Integrated RS and GIS Techniques

Abstract

The Chikkaballapur District, situated within the hard-rock terrain of the Dharwar Craton, exhibits a complex geomorphic landscape formed due to tectonic activity and prolonged denudational processes (Kale & Gupta, 2001; Singh et al., 2014). In the present study, the spatial distribution of geomorphological units was quantified over an area of 4,226.46 sq km² using integrated Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques (Lillesand et al., 2015). The results reveal that Pediplain Weathered/Buried units constitute the dominant geomorphic feature, covering 62.59% of the total study area. This is followed by Pediment–Inselberg complexes, which account for 14.46% of the area. In hard-rock terrains, groundwater occurrence is mainly controlled by the thickness of the weathered mantle, fracture Systems and structural discontinuities (Karanth, 1987). Therefore, the geomorphological analysis provides an important scientific basis for identifying groundwater potential zones and supports sustainable groundwater resource management, particularly in mining-affected regions where geomorphic characteristics strongly influence Recharge conditions.