Evaluation of geomorphologic similarity between the sub-catchments of Cauvery river basin

Abstract Estimation of morphometric indices can be useful in defining similarity relationships between catchments over a wide range of scales and it facilitates the effective understanding of hydrogeologic processes. This study aims at evaluating morphometric parameters to investigate geomorphologic similarity between the sub-catchments of the Cauvery river basin which is a major river basin in Peninsular India. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) obtained from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) at 30 m spatial resolution is used for assessing the linear, areal and relief aspects of morphometric analysis. The stream network analysis of sub-catchments reveals that the basin is dominated by streams of lower order and the Cauvery basin can be characterized as a seventh order basin. Linear parameters indicate that the basin is subjected to less structural disturbances. Assessment of areal parameters shows that most of the sub-catchments have elongated shape, low drainage density and course drainage texture. Evaluation of relief parameters suggests that the sub-catchments have mild slopes with moderate ruggedness and resistant soil surface. The sub-catchments are found to be geomorphologically similar in behaviour and this analysis can throw insight on development of scaling relationships as well as hydrological predictions in ungauged areas of the drainage basin.