Hypsometric Integral Estimation Methods and its Relevance on Erosion Status of North-Western Lesser Himalayan Watersheds |
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Authors: | Omvir Singh A Sarangi Milap C Sharma |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India;(2) Water Technology Centre, IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India |
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Abstract: | Assessment of erosion status of a watershed is an essential prerequisite of integrated watershed management. This not only
assists in chalking out suitable soil and water conservation measures to arrest erosion and conserve water but also helps
in devising best management practices to enhance biomass production in watersheds. The geologic stages of development and
erosion proneness of the watersheds are quantified by hypsometric integral. The estimation of hypsometric integral is carried
out from the graphical plot of the measured contour elevation and encompassed area and by using empirical formulae. In this
study, efforts were made to estimate the hypsometric integral values of the Sainj and Tirthan watersheds and their sub watersheds
in the Lesser Himalayas using four different techniques, and to compare the procedural techniques of its estimation and relevance
on erosion status. It was revealed that the hypsometric integral calculated by elevation–relief ratio method was accurate,
less cumbersome and easy to calculate within GIS environment. Also comparison of these hypsometric integral values revealed
that the Sainj watershed (0.51) was more prone to erosion than the Tirthan watershed (0.41). Further, the validation of these
results with the recorded sediment yield data of 24 years (1981–2004) corroborated that the average annual sediment yield
during this period for Sainj watershed (0.53 Mt) was more than that of the Tirthan watershed (0.3 Mt). Thus, the hypsometric
integral value can be used as an estimator of erosion status of watersheds leading to watershed prioritization for taking
up soil and water conservation measures in watershed systems. |
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Keywords: | GIS Hypsometry Drainage basin Watershed degradation Geologic stage Erosion status |
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