Lithology and Rock structure play a vital role in the development of Drainage Network in any drainage basin. The drainage patterns upon land surface develop as directed by the underlying lithology and rock structure. In fact, lithology and rock structure together shape the basin and are decisive parameters of nature and direction of channel flow. The Kaliani River Basin situated in Karbi Anglong district (Diphu subdivision), Assam State of India is strongly influenced by underlying lithology and rock structure. Tectonics play an important role, as the region has numerous minor lineaments and two major faults , and has undergone three phases of upliftment since late Cretaceous to late Miocene. The region is also influenced by neo-tectonics. The western and eastern parts of the basin are less influenced by structural lines of lithology while the northern and southern parts of the basin have fault-lines scarps and ridges.
Basin morphometry is a crucial method of analysis to understand the geology, lithological structure, infiltration rate of rainwater, runoff, eroded load carrying capacity and flooding potential of a drainage basin. The quantitative techniques applied for linear, aerial and relief aspects of the drainage basin elucidate the rate of erosion, the intensity of denudation and subsequently the potential of the Nandakini river basin to flooding. The morphometric analysis of the Nandakini river basin in the Garwhal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand reveals that the Rf value of the Nandakini river basin is 0.28, indicating an elongated basin shape leading to quick flooding and poor draining out of floodwaters. Similarly, an elevation difference between the highest and lowest elevation is 5380 metres aids quick runoff and deposition of eroded debris in the drainage channels, another cause of channel overflow. The Rh value is high (0.12), indicating a high channel gradient with intense erosional processes operating due to steep gradient and this has a considerable impact on the rate of erosive geomorphic processes operating. The higher elevation on the Eastern part of the basin due to the Vaikrita Thrust, the Munsiyari Thrust (ie. the southern tilting Main Central Thrust) and the Baijnath Klippe has resulted in metamorphism in Miocene and Pliocene explaining the low rate of infiltration and rapid runoff.
Geomorphology deals with analysis of geo features that occur in a spatial array and develop over a temporal frame. In modern times investigations in geomorphology have progressed with the application of concrete theories of pure geomorphology and techniques of applied geomorphology for modelling future interpolations and projections affecting the Earth’s natural systems. The scale and temporal frame of landform alteration by climate-induced processes (flowing water, glaciers, wind and marine processes) are important indicators of climate change. The integration of applied studies in natural processes and their probable impact on social milieu now requires greater accuracy. The subfields of geomorphology all have now developed multidisciplinary nature and effectively are being integrated in investigations with trans-disciplinary scope. The rapid progress in digital mapping capacities helps to monitor and assess geomorphic processes and estimate their impact on citizenry with precision. Digitization in cartography facilitates and mitigates disaster management in an integrated manner. Adequate planning and budgetary allocations for disaster management by planners and policy makers are simplified. This paper discusses the recent development of latest sub-disciplines in geomorphology, discussing how broad its scope has developed to cater to societal welfare that aims at millennium sustainable development and contented citizenry.
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