Morphometric analysis and associated land use study of a part of the Dwarkeswar watershed

In the present study, morphometrc analysis using remote sensing and a GIS techniques have been carried out in the upper part of the Dwarkeswar Watershed, Bankura and Puruliya district, West Bengal. For detailed study, we used ASTERGDEM data for preparing digital elevation model (DEM), and GIS was used in evaluation of basic, linear, areal and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. Watershed boundary, flow accumulation, flow direction, flow length, stream ordering have been prepared using Arc-Hydro Tool. Different thematic maps e.g. stream orders; drainage density, slope and relief have been prepared by using GIS software. Authors have computed almost 20 morphometric parameters of all aspects which are based on various morphometric analyses. The present morphometric analyses suggest that the erosional development of the area by the streams has progressed well beyond maturity and that lithology has had an influence in the drainage development. These studies are very useful for planning rainwater harvesting and watershed management.