GIS-based hypsometric analysis of the Mand sub-basin of Mahanadi River Basin, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Assessment of erosion status of the watershed helps in selecting suitable conservation measures to check erosion and water conservative management practices in the watersheds. Hypsometric analysis with the aid of Geographic Information System (GIS) helps to understanding the geological development of basin and for delineation of erosional proneness of watershed. The hypsometric curve and hypsometric integrals are the important indication factors of watershed condition. Hypsometric analysis is the relationship of horizontal cross-sectional drainage basin area to elevation. The graph of hypsometric curve indicates the geological stage of watershed and erosion susceptibility of basin. The present study has been carried out by using SRTM-Digital Elevation Model (DEM) remotely sensed data and GIS in the Mand sub-basin of Mahanadi River basin. The study area is Mand sub-basin of Mahanadi basin which is the part of Chhattisgarh having area of 5332 km2, lies between 21°42'15.525"N to 23°4'19.746"N latitude and 82°50'54.503"E to 83°36'1.295"E longitude. The hypsometric analysis of Mand sub-basin is carried out and value of hypsometric integral (HI) is found 0.5 which indicates the watershed is at Equilibrium or Mature stage.