Morphometric Characterization of Sudda Vagu Basin in a Hard rock Aquifer System Using Geospatial and Geostatistical Tools in Part of Nirmal District, Telangana State, India

Abstract

Using LISS-IV satellite data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study aims to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the Sudda Vagu basin, located in the northwestern part of Telangana state. The primary objective is to compute detailed morphometric parameters and assess their influence on the hydrogeological conditions of the region. The basin, covering a drainage area of 323.8 square kilometers, exhibits a dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern, indicative of homogeneous lithology and gentle slopes with minimal structural control. Stream development in the basin is predominantly influenced by rainfall patterns. The analysis reveals that first-order streams dominate the basin, with the highest total number and length of stream segments, which gradually decrease with increasing stream order. The nearly consistent bifurcation ratio (Rb) across successive stream orders suggests limited structural control. A positive correlation is observed between drainage density (Dd) and stream frequency (Fs), with values of 1.108 and 1.504, respectively. The drainage density indicates the presence of dense vegetation and porous subsurface soil, while the stream frequency reflects a well-developed drainage network. The basin's elongated shape is confirmed by the Circularity Ratio (Rc) of 0.403 and the Elongation Ratio (Re) of 0.35, suggesting a permeable subsurface, moderate runoff discharge, and an elongated basin morphology. The Form Factor (Ff) value of 0.097 indicates a flatter peak flow over an extended duration, characteristic of elongated basins. Such basins are easier to manage in terms of flood control compared to circular basins. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that morphometric analysis using GIS techniques is a powerful tool for understanding the geo-hydrological characteristics of a region. It provides valuable insights for effective watershed planning and management, highlighting the importance of integrating geospatial tools in hydrological studies.