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V. N. Bajpai ¹, K. V. G. K. Gokhale ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, Delhi University, Delhi 110007, IN
2 Engineering Geology Section, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, IN

Abstract

On the basis of multispectral analysis of LANDSAT imageries, the Marginal Gangetic Alluvial plain has been lithologically and geomorphologically classified. Distinct morphological divisions mapped include, uplands, ravines, floodlplains and rocky tracts. The upland morphology is typically represented by the cis- and transregions of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The ravines have characteristic patterns and reflect distinctly the influence of soil texture, basement structure and relief. While dendritic patterns are common in areas with shallow basement indicating limited infiltration, irregular pattern of deep headward erosion are common in areas of high relief. The flood plains formed by rivers of the Ganga and Yamuna system exhibit variations in morphology corresponding to the variations in the sediment load and grain size. The rocky tract is typical of flat-topped ridges and escarpments with sporadic alluvial patches.

Abandoned channels, intersecting ridges controlled by joints and depressions filled with alluvium within the rocky tract, which offer potential sites for ground water development have been identified.

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Indra Bir Singh ¹, V. N. Bajpai ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, Lucknow University, Lucknow 226007, IN
2 Department of Geology, Delhi University, Delhi 110007, IN

Abstract

Gangetic Plain, an active foreland basin shows N to NE flowing rivers in the southern part, controlled by the basement lineaments; while in the central part most of the rivers flow SE to E, following partly the lineaments developed in response to the Himalayan tectonics. Analysis of the subsurface data in Hamirpur-Kanpur-Unnao region shows that just south of present-day Ganga River, along an E-W trending lineament major change in the alluvial thickness and facies has taken place. It is suggested that earlier (probably Middle Pleistocene) rivers from Peninsular India flowing upto Kanpur, shifted their course southwards, and onlapped by Himalayan rivers and their deposits. It is argued that in 'an active foreland basin, lineaments parallel to orogen may develop, some of them even as gravity faults affecting the basement. These lineaments have a strong control on drainage, and thickness of the alluvial fill.

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Indra Bir Singh ¹, V. N. Bajpai ², A. Kumar ¹, M. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, Lucknow University, Lucknow 226 007, IN
2 Department of Geology, Delhi University, Delhi 110 007, IN

Abstract

Gangetic plain shows distinct geomorphic surfaces formed in response to the climatic and base-level changes related to the sea-level fluctuations during Quaternary. Within the major river valleys, a distinct geomorphic surface (T₁) is developed, located about 5-10 m above the present-day flood plain (T₀). Study of these surfaces in the Ganga River valley near Kanpur demonstrates that T₁ -surface channel deposits assigned tentatively the date of the last interglacial (25-30 Ka) show meandering scars and coarser sediments (M₁ = 1.9 φ) than the present-day channel sands. The T₀-surface shows braided channels and finer sediments (M₁ = 3.4 φ). The Ganga River has undergone a river metamorphosis from meandering to braided-type during the last 25,000 years, accompanied by decrease in grain-size, and probable decrease in water budget and increase in sediment load. All the major rivers of the Gangetic Plain, many of them braided-type today, show evidence of having been meandering rivers during last interglacial (25-Ka).

Keywords

Geomorphology, Indo-Gangetic Plain, Ganga Pleistocene-Holocene, Quaternary Geology.

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V. N. Bajpai ¹, C. Mahanta ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, University of Delhi, Delhi - 110 007, IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, I.I.T Guwahati - 781 001, IN

Abstract

Hydrogeomorphic classification of the terrain in Gurgaon-Sohna region has been arrived at using satellite images. Four morphological units have been identified as rocky tract, pediment, alluvial tract and the sand dune tract. While the rocky tract composed of mainly quartzite is characterized by its drainage and water bodies, which are controlled by geological structure; the pediment forms a fringe surrounding the rocky tract. The alluvial tract occupies either the narrow valley fill or the extensive plain. The alluvial plain has been partly covered by sand dune tract, which consists of dunal ridges and interdunal depressions. The interdunal depressions at places are the sites of water bodies. Groundwater movement is from the rocky tract and the dunal ridges towards the valley fill and follows, in general, the topography. The aquifer panel diagram indicates that the aquifer disposition is in relation to the morphological setting ofthe region. The geothermal gradient around the Sohna hot water spring shows that the major joints in the rocky tract have directional control over the aquifer system formed in the alluvial plain and the valley fill.

Keywords

Hydrogeomorphic Classification, Terrain Classification, Aquifer Disposition, Gurgaon-Sohna Region, Haryana.

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K. S. Kshetrimayum ¹, V. N. Bajpai ²

Affiliations
1 Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Mountain and Hill Environment (CISMHE), Patel Marg, ARC Building, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, IN
2 Department of Geology, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, IN

Abstract

The Markanda river basin occupying an area of about 1547 km² is a part of the alluvial deposits of the Indo- Gangetic plain near the Himalayan foothills in the northwest India. The region is associated with active agricultural activities and makes significant contribution to the country's agricultural products. Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation use and hydrochemical evolution of groundwater has been studied. Hydrochemical analysis has been carried out based on concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, SO₄ ^2-, CO₃ ^2- and HCO₃ ^-. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (%Na), permeability index (PI) and Trilinear diagram have been studied to evaluate suitability of irrigation use. Hydrochemical evolution has been analyzed based on the Chebotarev sequence and expanded Durov diagram. SAR, %Na and PI results indicate that the groundwater in the basin is suitable for irrigation use. Analysis on Trilinear diagram reveals that hydrochemical facies are dominated by HCO₃ ^-- Ca²⁺- Mg²⁺ facies indicating that the groundwater is associated with recharge waters percolating through sandstone and limestone rocks which are exposed in the northern part of the basin. Studies based on Chebotarev anion sequence and expanded Durov diagram indicate that the evolution of groundwater belongs to initial to intermediate stage indicating fresh water quality. Thus, the present work reveals that groundwater in the Markanda basin is of good quality and is suitable for all uses including interbasin water transfer in the region.

Keywords

Groundwater Quality, Hydrochemical Parameters, Hydrochemical Facies, Chebotarev Sequence, Markanda Basin, Northwestern India.

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