GIS-based Morphotectonic and Morphometric Analysis of Tamsa River Watershed in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The present study focuses on the morphometric characterisation of the Tamsa River basin in eastern Uttar Pradesh using a Geographic Information System (GIS), a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and Survey of India (SOI) topographical data. Morphometric analysis provides an effective approach for understanding drainage-network characteristics, basin geometry, geomorphic development, hydrological behaviour, and the influence of geological and topographical conditions. The drainage network comprises 217 stream segments and is classified as a fourth-order basin according to Strahler's stream-ordering system. The drainage pattern is predominantly dendritic, indicating relatively homogeneous lithological conditions. The mean bifurcation ratio of 1.76 and weighted bifurcation ratio of 1.82 suggest comparatively limited structural and tectonic control over drainage development. The areal morphometric parameters indicate a low drainage density (0.194 km/km²), low stream frequency (0.027 streams/km²), low drainage intensity (0.16), and a high constant of channel maintenance (5.26 km²/km), suggesting relatively high infiltration and limited surface runoff. The elongation ratio (0.47), circularity ratio (0.08), and form factor (0.17) indicate an elongated basin configuration with a comparatively delayed concentration of runoff. The morphotectonic parameters, including the sinuosity index (1.0), hypsometric integral (0.50), and asymmetry factor (50), indicate a relatively stable and mature geomorphic setting. Overall, the morphometric characteristics provide important insights into the hydrological response, geomorphic evolution, and watershed-management requirements of the Tamsa River basin.