Satellite based mapping and morphogenetic analysis of the landforms in the tertiary fold belts of parts of Tripura, India

Abstract

In the present study, satellite-based mapping and morphogenetic analysis of eastern part of Tripura has been attempted. Landforms are delineated based on conjugate analysis of satellite-imaged and satellite-derived digital elevation data. Further, landforms were classified based on hierarchical three-tier classification system where genesis is used as a criteria to classify the landforms in the first level followed by nature of their dissection and the geometric forms of the landform in second and third level, respectively. During the analysis, it has been observed that most of the landforms are structural in origin and their orientations are guided by the geological lineaments although the variations in the dissection pattern of the landforms are related to the changes in the underlying lithology. The implementation of quantitative analysis using hypsometric integral and ruggedness index of geomorphic parameters indicates that the landforms are immature but have been evolving towards maturity.

Keywords:

• geomorphology
• lithology
• three-tier classification

Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to Director, NRSC, Deputy Director, RSA, for their support and guidance. First two authors are also grateful to Dr D. Dutta, General Manager, RRSC-East and Chief General Manager, RC’s for their keen interest and support to carry out the work.