Impact of Elevation - Glaciation - Tectonics on landscape characteristics of the watersheds in Bhagirathi valley, Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

Terrain attributes of watersheds i.e., mean , maximum, minimum elevation, mean slope elevation, mean aspect, HI (Hypsometrical Integral), Plan and Profile curvature index were determined using ASTER DEM in Bhagirathi basin, Uttaarakhand. These attributes are used in  determine the impact of elevation, glaciations and tectonic processes on terrain characteristics of the watersheds.  The scatter diagrame between altitude and terrain attribute were used to analyse th impact of altitude and impact of glacition is revealed through Box Whisker diagram using moderate and fully glacier watersheds. The results indicated that permanent snowline altitude is important that determine the watershed  density in particular elevation and bear direct relationship with area and degree of glaciations. It is found that slope, STD of elevation in glacier basin, profile and plan curvature, relief influenced by glaciations.