Geographical Information System-based Morphometric Analysis of Kupti Watershed, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The morphometric analysis of the Kupti watershed in parts of Yavatmal and Washim districts has been carried out to evaluate the drainage morphometry and its influence on hydrogeology. In this study, a topographic map of the Kupti watershed was prepared using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM data processed in ArcGIS.  This data is used for drainage morphometry and to evaluate and compare linear, relief, and aerial parameters. The basin exhibits a seventh-order drainage pattern comprising 1480 stream segments.  The study reveals the elongated shape of the basin, characterized by lower peak flows and longer runoff potential due to values of form factor (0.26), circularity ratio (0.48), and elongation ratio (0.58). For the Kupti watershed, the value of the mean bifurcation ratio is 3.39, which indicates that the watershed is less affected by structural disturbances and geological structure has little influence on the drainage pattern. The drainage system of the watershed exhibits a dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern. The drainage density of the study area is 2.62 km/km², indicating upper moderate drainage density and a well-developed drainage network, and the region has moderate surface runoff and sediment transport conditions. The methodological approach and results serve as a valuable resource for future studies in river basin management, environmental planning, and formulating a watershed management plan. These findings are useful for decision makers and policymakers for the sustainable development and conservation of water resources.