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Earth observation-based approach for delineating geomorphology-guided geoenvironmental zones and its utility in regional planning: an analysis in parts of Bengal Basin, West Bengal, India

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Abstract

In this paper, we have analysed active and passive earth observation data for identifying the different geomorphic sub-provinces associated with coastal and fluvial geomorphic processes in the south-western part of Bengal Basin. For this purpose, variations in the spectral response of these sub-provinces in IRS P6 LISS III data are enhanced using principal component (PC) and independent component (IC) methods to spatially delineate the geomorphic sub-provinces and associated Quaternary sediments. It has been observed that the false colour composite derived using IC (first, second and third ICs) are effective in enhancing fluvial sub-provinces, while IC band 4, band 3 and band 2 are suitable to delineate coastal sub-provinces. On the other hand, PC composite derived using band 4, band 3 and band 1 are suitable to delineate different Quaternary sediments deposited within the spatial extent of geomorphic sub-provinces. Fused image enhanced products of IRS (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite) LISS III band and ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite) PALSAR (Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) polarisation bands are used to supplement and complement the variations observed for each geomorphic province in optical data as radar interactions are sensitive to variation in moisture and surface cover. Although there is a strong synergy between the spatial extent of geomorphic sub-provinces and the Quaternary units in terms of spatial disposition, different Quaternary units are also found within the same geomorphic province. Therefore, we have segmented each geomorphic sub-provinces based on the spatial extent of the different Quaternary deposits to identify few geoenvironmental (termed here as geomorpho-environmental) zones. In this regard, eleven zones are identified. Each zone has been characterised based on geomorphic stability, potentiality for agriculture practice, scope for urban development and reclamation. These geoenvironmental zones may provide important input to planners.

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Acknowledgement

Authors are grateful to Director, NRSC, for his encouragement and guidance. Authors are also grateful to Deputy Director, RSA, for his keen interest on the progress of the work and support to carry out the work.

Funding was provided by Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Space (IN).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geosciences Group, Remote Sensing Application Area, National Remote Sensing Centre, Balanagar, India

    Swati Singh, Arindam Guha, K. Seshadri & K. Vinod Kumar

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  1. Swati Singh
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  4. K. Vinod Kumar
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Correspondence to Arindam Guha.

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Singh, S., Guha, A., Seshadri, K. et al. Earth observation-based approach for delineating geomorphology-guided geoenvironmental zones and its utility in regional planning: an analysis in parts of Bengal Basin, West Bengal, India. Environ Earth Sci 76, 109 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-6323-9

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