MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE MULA-MUTHA RIVER BASIN (INDIA)
A.A. Dhorde1, T.P. Raut1,2, A.G. Dhorde2, N. Gautam1
1Nowrosjee Wadia College, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
2Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
Keywords: river basin, geomorphometry, basin characteristics, principal component analysis, central relief model
Abstract
River basins are fundamental geographical units that influence water flow and landform development. Geomorphometric studies are essential for quantifying various basin characteristics and understanding landform processes. The article presents a geomorphometric analysis of the Mula-Mutha River basin. It is a comprehensive study focusing on on fifth-order tributaries. Conventional methods and digital elevation models were employed to analyze the morphometric parameters of the basin. The results reveal that geomorphometric parameters such as drainage network density, stream frequency, and hypsometric integral provide insight into the drainage system and landform development. The Mula-Mutha River basin, with its elongated shape and highly dissected terrain, exhibits characteristics of an older stage of landform development. The analysis of fifth-order basins indicates variations in hypsometric integral values, suggesting a transition from mature to old stages of landform development. Principal component analysis made it possible to identify the key parameters characterizing the basin: its shape, including size, stream network, relief, shape and texture of the drainage network. Such studies contribute to the understanding of landform processes, providing valuable insights for environmental studies and water resources management.
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