The study of morphological characteristics for best management practices over the Halayapura micro-watershed of Karnataka, India, using remote sensing and geospatial techniques

Abstract

The morphometric analysis was carried out on the Halayapura micro-watershed in Karnataka, India. Using ArcGIS 10.2.2 and applying the DEM model, the micro-watershed was subjected to quantitative investigation to determine the channel network involved and understand geo-hydrological behavior. In addition, remote sensing and geospatial techniques were used to study the micro-watershed drainage analysis and its associated parameters, such as stream order, stream length, stream frequency, drainage density, texture ratio, form factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, bifurcation ratio, and compactness coefficient for the micro watershed, were evaluated. According to the findings, the stream order ranges from I to IV, with 97 streams in the micro-watershed. Streams of 72, 19, 5, and 1 are found in the I, II III, and IV order, respectively. The bifurcation values range from 3.78 to 5.00, with the average weight around 3.14. The elongation ratio and farm factor are 0.77 and 0.46, respectively. The drainage density of the micro watershed is 5.20 km/km2. The form factor, circularity, and elongation ratio contribute to a basin with an elongated shape through decreased flood proneness, erosion, and sediment transport capacity. The results of the micro-watershed morphometric assessment are critical for evaluating and managing water resources and selecting a recharge structure for future water management in the study region.