Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Impact of tectonics on drainage network evolution of Suru basin, Kargil N/w Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, India

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Environmental Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to work out quantitative measurement of various geomorphic parameters as well as analysis of geomorphic landforms to study the tectonic character of Suru basin. Morphometric analysis, being widely used to assess the drainage characteristics of the river basins, has also been found to be a useful tool to delineate tectonically active zones. A number of parameters including the mountain front sinuosity, asymmetry factor, transverse topography symmetry, hypsometry, longitudinal profile and the shape parameters have been used. The low mountain front sinuosity values < 1.4 indicate that the tectonic forces dominate over erosive activity. Also the asymmetry factor 66.98% suggests that the right side of the basin has experienced uplift with the development of unpaired river terraces. Hypsometric integral 0.96, convex up hypsometric curve and the GPS data of year 2011–2013 indicate that the relief of the basin is high relative to mean, is in youthful stage and actively uplifting at the rate of 2.18 ± 0.99 mm/year. The shape parameters further suggest that the Suru river basin having lower elongation ratio is indicative of elongate shape of basin with tectonic forces outpacing the erosion power. Area-altitude analysis of the Suru river basin indicates that about 72% of the area of the basin is steeply to very steeply sloping and 28% area is moderately to gently sloping. The area-altitude indicates 72% area of basin could slide when there is slight shift in terms of tectonic disturbance. In addition to the geomorphic indices, the field investigations reveal tectonically unstable character, exhibit a complex topography and varied Quaternary sedimentation. The major geomorphic landforms viz., alluvial terraces, alluvial fans, debris cone, scree, and talus cone at the foothills are present throughout the valley with tectonic structures like micro folds, back-tilted beds, deeply incised valleys, faults and tectonic deposits (Ophiolites), indicating that the tectonic activity has affected the basin. The synergized results of geomorphometry, field investigations and GPS data indicate that the Suru basin is tectonically active and uplifting.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

(Modified after, Thakur and Rawat 1992; Gansser 1964, 1980)

Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Avouac JP, Tapponnier P (1993) Kinematic model of active deformation in central Asia. Geophys Res Lett 20(10):895–898

    Google Scholar 

  • Babault J, Nicholas L, Driessche JVD, Castelltort S, Bonnet S, Davy P (2006) Did the Ebro basin connect to the Mediterranean before the Messinian salinity crisis. Sci direct Geomorphol 81:155–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Babault J, Teixell A, Struth L, Arboleya LM, Teson E (2013) Shortening, structural relief and drainage evolution in inverted rifts: insights from the Atlas Mountains, the eastern Cordillera of Colombia and the Pyrenees. Geol Soc London Spl Publ 377(1):141–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Bali BS, Wani AA, Khan RA, Ahmed S (2016) Morphotectonic analysis of the Madhumati watershed, Northeast Kashmir Valley. Arab J Geosci 9(5):1–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhat GR, Bali BS, Balaji S, Iqbal V (2016) Earthquake triggered soft sediment deformational structures (Seismites) in the Karewa formations of Kashmir Valley—an indicator for paleo seismity. Geol Soc India 87(4):439–452

    Google Scholar 

  • Bull WB, McFadden LD (1977) Tectonic geomorphology north and south of the Garlock Fault, California arid regions: Proceedings Eighth Annual Geomorphic System. State University, New York, pp 115–138

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox RT (1994) Analysis of drainage-basin symmetry as a rapid technique to identify areas of possible Quaternary tilt-block tectonics: an example from the Mississippi Embayment. Geol Soc Am Bull 106(5):571–581

    Google Scholar 

  • Dehbozorgi M, Pourkermani M, Arian M, Matkan A, Motamedi H, Hosseiniasl A (2010) Quantitative analysis of relative tectonic activity in the Sarvestan area, central Zagros, Iran. Geomorphology 121:329–341

    Google Scholar 

  • Delcaillau B, Deffontaines B, Floissac L, Angelier J, Deramond J, Souquet P, Chu HT, Lee J (1998) Morphotectonic evidence from lateral propagation of an active frontal fold; Pakuashan anticline, foothills of Taiwan. Geomorphology 24:263–290

    Google Scholar 

  • El Hamdouni R, Irigaray C, Fernández T, Chacón J, Keller E (2008) Assessment of relative active tectonics, southwest border of the Sierra Nevada (southern Spain). Geomorphology 96:150–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Frank W, Gansser A, Trommsdorf V (1977) Geological observations in the Ladakh Himalaya. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 57:89–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuchs G (1964) Beitrag zur Kenntnis des Palaozoikums und Mesozoikums der tibetischen Zone in Dolpo (Nepal Himalaya). Sonderabdruck aus den Verhandlungen der Geologischen Bundesanstalt 1:6–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuchs G (1977) Traverse of Zanskar from Indus to the Valley of Kashmir—a preliminary note. Jahrb Geol Bundesanst 120:219–229

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuchs G (1987) The geology of Southern Zanskar (Ladakh)—evidence for the autochthony of the Tethys zone of the himalaya. Jb Geol B-A 130:465–491

    Google Scholar 

  • Gansser A (1964) The geology of the himalaya. Interscience Publishers, London, p 289

    Google Scholar 

  • Gansser A (1980) The significance of Himalayan suture zone. Tectonophysics 62:37–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Giachetta E, Molin P, Scotti VN, Faccenna C (2015) Plio-Quaternary uplift of the Iberian Chain (central-eastern Spain) from landscape evolution experiments and river profile modeling. Geomorphology 246:48–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Gioia D, Gallicchio S, Moretti M, Schiattarella M (2014) Landscape response to tectonic and climatic forcing in the foredeep of the southern Apennines, Italy: insights from Quaternary stratigraphy, quantitative geomorphic analysis, and denudation rate proxies. Earth Surf Proc Land 39:814–835

    Google Scholar 

  • Hack JT (1973) Stream-profile analysis and stream-gradient index. J Res US 1:421–429

    Google Scholar 

  • Hare PW, Gardner TW (1985) Geomorphic indicators of vertical neotectonism along converging plate margins, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. In: Morisawa M, Hack JT (eds) Pr Allen Unwin Boston Binghantom (15th Annu Tec Geomorph Sym) Sept 1984

  • Hemis A, Gansser A (1939) Central Himalaya geological observations of Swiss. Gebrüder Fretz, Zürich, pp 1–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodges KV, Wobus C, Ruhl K, Schilsdgen T, Whipple K (2004) Quaternary deformation, river steepening and heavy precipitation at the front of the Higher Himalaya range. Earth Planet Sci Lett 220(3–4):379–389

    Google Scholar 

  • Honegger K, Dietrich V, Frank W, Gannser A, Thoni M, Trommsdorff V (1982) Magmatism and metamorphism in the Ladakh Himalayas (the Indus Tsangpo suture zone). Earth Planet Sci Lett 60:253–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Hurterz JE, Sol C, Lucazeau F (1999) Effect of drainage area on hypsometry form an analysis of small scale drainage basin in the Siwalik Hills (Central Nepal). Earth Surf Process Landforms 79:389

    Google Scholar 

  • Ichim I, Rădoane M (1990) Channel sediment variability along a river: a case study of the Siret River, Romania. Earth Surf Proc Land 15:211–225

    Google Scholar 

  • Ichim I, Bătucă D, Rădoane M, Duma D (1989) Morfologia și dinamica albiilor de râu. Technical Press, București (in Romanian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Imsong W, Bhattacharya F, Mishra RL, Phukan S (2017) Geomorphic evidence of Late Quaternary displacement of the Karakoram Fault in Nubra and Shyok valleys. Ladakh Himalaya Curr Sci 112:2295–2305

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller EA (1986) Investigation of active tectonics: use of surficial earth processes. Panel on active tectonics. National Academy press, Washington DC, pp 138–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller EA, Pinter N (1996) Active tectonics: earthquakes, uplift and landscapes. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, p 338

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller EA, Pinter N (2002) Active tectonics: Earthquakes, uplift, and landscape (second edition): Englewood Cliffs. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, pp 121–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby E, Whipple KX (2012) Expression of active tectonics in erosional landscapes. J Struct Geol 44:54–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby E, Whipple KX, Tang W, Chen Z (2003) Distribution of active rock uplift along the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau: inferences from bedrock channel longitudinal profiles. J Geophys Res 108(4):2217. https://doi.org/10.1029/2001jb0008612003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kulkarni AV, Yogesh K (2014) Observed Changes in Himalayan glaciers. Curr Sci 106(2):237–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Kundu B, Yadv RK, Bali BS, Chowdhury S, Gahalaut VK (2014) Oblique convergence and slip partitioning in the NW Himalaya: implications from GPS measurements. Tectonics 33(10):2013–2024

    Google Scholar 

  • Lydekker R (1883) The Geology of the Kashmir and Chamba Territories and the British District of Khagan. Mem Geol Sure India 1883:22

    Google Scholar 

  • Molin PA, Fubelli GO (2005) Morphometric evidence of the topographic growth of the Central Apennines. Geografia Fisica e Dinamica Quaternaria 28(3):47–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Molin P, Pazzaglia FJ, Dramis F (2004) Geomorphic expression of active tectonics in a rapidly-deforming forearc, Sila Massif, Calabria, Southern Italy. Am J Sci 304:559–589

    Google Scholar 

  • Muller JE (1968) An introduction to the hydraulic and topographic sinuosity indices. Ann Ass Am Geogol 58:371–385

    Google Scholar 

  • Nanda MN, Singh MP (1976) Stratigraphy and Sedimentatio of the Zanskar area, Ladakh and adjoining parts of the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. Himalayan Geol 6:365–388

    Google Scholar 

  • Nanda MM, Dungrakoti BD, Singh MP, Das BK, Andotra BS, Chakarborti RK, Mohanty AK (1969) Progress report on the geological expedition to Zanskar. Geol Surv India 1:1

    Google Scholar 

  • Pedrera A, Pérez-Peña JV, Galindo-Zaldívar J, Azañón JM, Azor A (2009) Testing the sensitivity of geomorphic indices in areas of low-rate active folding (eastern Betic Cordillera, Spain). Geomorphology 105:218–231

    Google Scholar 

  • PérezPeña JV, Azor A, Azañón JM, Keller EA (2010) Active tectonics in the Sierra Nevada (Betic Corillera, SE Spain): insights from geomorphic indexes and drainage pattern analysis. Geomorphology 119:74–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Peña JV, Azañón JM, Booth-Rea G, Azor A, Delgado J (2009a) Differentiating geology and tectonics using a spatial autocorrelation technique for the hypsometric integral. J Geophys Res 114(F2):F02018. https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JF001092

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Peña JV, Azañon JM, Booth-Rea G, Azor A, Delgado J (2009b) Differentiating geology and tectonics using a spatial autocorrelation technique for the hypsometric integral. J Geophys Res 114:F2

    Google Scholar 

  • Pike R (1995) Geomorphometry-process, practice, and prospect. Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie Supplement 101:221–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Pike RJ (2000) Geomorphometry-diversity in quantitative surface analysis. Prog Phys Geogr 24:1–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Pike RJ, Wilson SE (1971) Elevation relief ratio, hypsometric integral and geomorphic area-altitude analysis. Geol Soc Amer Bull 62:1079–1084

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad U, Singh B, Venkatraman K, Ghosh DB (1980) Petrochemical characteristics of basic and ultrabasic rocks of Dras area, “Indus ophiolite belt”, Ladakh, India.Proc. Int. Ophiolite Symp. Nicosia Cyprus, 444–453

  • Raj R, Maurya DM, Chamyal LS (1999) Tectonic geomorphology of the Mahi River Basin, Western India. J Geol Soc India 54:387–398

    Google Scholar 

  • Raj R, Bhandari S, Maurya M, Chamyal LS (2003) Geomorphic indicators of active tectonics in the Karjan river basin, Lower Narmada Valley, western India. J Geol Soc India 62(6):739–752

    Google Scholar 

  • Richards K (1982) Rivers: form and process in alluvial channels. Methuen, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Riquelme R, Martinod J, Hearil G, Darrozes R (2003) A geomorphological approach to determine the Neogene to Recent tectonic deformations in the costal cordillera of north Chile (Atacama). Tectonophysics 361:255–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Robertson AHF (2000) Formation of mélanges in the Suture Zone, Ladakh Himalaya by successive subduction—related, collision and post collisional processes during Late Mesozoic-Late Tertiary time, in tectonics of Nanga Parbat syntaxis and the western Himalaya. Geol Soc Spec Publ 170:333–374

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiffman C, Bali BS, Szeliga W, Bilham R (2013) Seismic slip deficit in the Kashmir Himalaya from GPS observations. Geophys Res Lett 40:5642–5645

    Google Scholar 

  • Searle MP (1983) Stratigraphy Structure and evolution of the Tibetian Tethys zone in Zanskar and the Indus Suture zone in the Ladakh Himalaya. Transc R Soc Eidenburgh 37:205–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Seeber L, Gomitz V (1983) River profiles along the Himalayan arc as indicators of active tectonics. Tectonophysics 92:335–367

    Google Scholar 

  • Shah SK, Sharma ML, Gergan JT, Tara CS (1976) Stratigraphy and structure of the western part of the Indus Suture Belt, Ladakh, northwest Himalaya. Himalayan Geol 6:534–556

    Google Scholar 

  • Snow RS, Slingerland RL (1987) Mathematical modeling of graded river profiles. J Geol 95:15–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Srikantia SV, Razdan ML (1980) Geology of part of Central Ladakh Himalaya with particular reference to indus tectonic zone. J Geol Soc India 21:11

    Google Scholar 

  • Srikantia SV, Ganesan TM, Rao PN, Sinha PK, Tirkey B (1980) Geology of Zanskar area, Ladakh Himalaya. Himal Geol 8(II):1009–1033

    Google Scholar 

  • Strahler AN (1952) Hypsometric (area-altitude) analysis of erosional topography. Geol Soc Am Bull 63:1117–1142

    Google Scholar 

  • Thakur VC, Rawat BS (1992) Geologic map of western himalaya, 1:1,000,000. Dehra Dun, India

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker RP (1987) Dimensions of deforestration in the Himalaya: the Historical Setting. J Mount Res Dev 7(3):328–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Wadia DN (1937) The Cretaceous and Volcanic series of Astor, Deosai Kashmir and its intrusions. Rec Geol Surv India 72(2):151–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Wani AA, Bali BS (2017) Quantative analysis of relative tectonic activity in the Sindh basin, Northwest Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir India. Himal Geol 38(2):171–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Wani AA, Bali BS, Mohammad S (2019) Drainage Chrasteristics of tectonically active area: an example from Mawar Basin, Jammu and Kashmir, India. J Geol Soc India 93(3):313–320

    Google Scholar 

  • Whipple K, Wobus C, Crosby B, Kirby E, Sheenan D (2007) New tools for quantitative geomorphology: extracting and interpretation of stream profiles from digital topographic data. GSA Annual Meeting, Denver

    Google Scholar 

  • Wobus CW, Hodges KV, Whipple KX (2003) Has focused denudation sustained active thrusting at the Himalayan topographic front? Geology 31:861–864

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin A (2006) Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Himalaya orogeny as constrained by along- strike variation of structural geometry, exhumation, history and foreland sedimentation. Earth-Sci Rev 76:1–131

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India

    Ahsan Afzal Wani, Bikram Singh Bali, G. R. Bhat & Nasir Hussain

Authors
  1. Ahsan Afzal Wani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bikram Singh Bali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. R. Bhat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nasir Hussain
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bikram Singh Bali.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wani, A.A., Bali, B.S., Bhat, G.R. et al. Impact of tectonics on drainage network evolution of Suru basin, Kargil N/w Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Environ Earth Sci 79, 26 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8757-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8757-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation