Applied Geomorphology : A Study

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Physical and cultural background. 3. Drainage analysis. 4. Relief analysis. 5. Slope analysis. 6. Morphometric classification and characteristics of morpho-units. 7. Distribution of settlements and its correlation with morphometric attributes. 8. Morphometric attributes and arable land. Summary and conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"Applied Geomorphology has come up as a very important branch of earth sciences particularly with the advancement in its techniques to evaluate and tackle problems associated with man’s occupancy of earth space. Of late, it has acquired enormous significance with the application of geomorphic understanding to the analysis and solution of myriad problems concerning land occupancy, resource utilisation, environmental management and planning or problems of similar nature. In the beginning, the landforms studies were carried out mostly with aid of qualitative techniques but lately various quantitative techniques have been introduced along side the use of aerial photographs and satellite imageries for identifying morphological characteristics of landforms and evaluation of terrain which have further enhanced the value of this branch of geography.

In this book Applied Geomorphology: A Study an attempt has been made to evaluate the morphometric aspects of terrain both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study-area has been delineated into morphometric units of different orders. In the process of terrain categorization as well as in identification of geomorphic units remote sensing techniques have also been made use of. The geomorphic attributes have been correlated with the distribution of settlements and arable land in the study area. And the problem of soil erosion in various terrains have been examined along with impact analysis of ground water condition on distribution of rural settlements and arable land.

The present work is pioneer attempt to peruse terrain features and associated problems of resource rich region. It provides adequate references, data base and methodology to those interested in analysis terrain evaluation and its influence on settlement and landuse. The inferences drawn herein may prove to be helpful to planners and users equally.

It is hoped that the scholars working in the field of applied geomorphology, geology, settlement and landuse planning, environmental management, civil engineering and other allied disciplines will benefit from this work and will be quick to follow the methods and techniques used therein to achieve their objectives." (jacket)