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Research & Reviews : Journal of Space Science & Technology

Assessment of Morphology and Land use Induced Environment Dynamics in Tikra Watershed of Brahmani River Basin

  1. Dibya Jyoti Mohanty
  2. Jajnaseni Rout

Abstract

This study examines the Tikra Watershed, a mining region in Talcher, Odisha, India, through the lens of its drainage system, land use changes, and environmental factors. Utilizing diverse datasets including DEMs, satellite imagery, and climate data, the study employs morphometric analysis, LULC change detection, and statistical techniques to gain insights into the watershed's characteristics and dynamics. Morphometric analysis reveals a compact drainage pattern with moderate stream development, indicating balanced interactions between stream orders, drainage density, and basin morphology. The hypsometric integral of 0.256 suggests significant past erosion, shaping the landscape's geomorphic history. LULC analysis reveals significant changes between 2000 and 2020, primarily driven by mining and associated activities. Cropland and settlement areas expanded, while forests, shrub lands, and wetlands experienced declines. This shift reflects the influence of human activities on the landscape. A striking observation is the spatial correlation between high AOD and temperature values in the eastern part of the watershed, coinciding with the location of mining and industrial activities. This suggests a potential link between air pollution from these activities and localized temperature increases. The study highlights the interplay between natural and human-induced factors shaping the Tikra Watershed. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed land management and sustainable development in the region.

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