Influence of Geomorphometric Factors on Satellite Snow Covered Area vs Snowmelt Runoff Relationship in the Punjab Himalaya

In the Himalayas, snowmelt runoff makes a dominant contribution to the total annllal stream flow. An early prediction of the amount of runoff to be derived from the snow pack is, therefore, of great importance for proper management of water resources. The area selected for the present investigation is the Punjab Himalayas comprising three major catchments of the Beas, Ravi, and Chenab rivers. Landsat imageries have been used to map snow cover in these three catchments. Data from a number of discharge gauging stations on the Beas, Ravi and Chenab rivers have been used to yield snowmelt runoff. Unique relationships between satellite snow cover and snowmelt runoff have been obtained for each of the sub-catchments. The studies show that geomorphometric parameters have a systematic influence on the relationship between snow cover area and subsequent runoff. The relationships are interpreted for their physical implications.