Quantifying Channel Morphology and Tectonic Deformation of Rispana River Basin Using Geomorphic Markers: Impact of Anthropogenic Factors on the System

Rispana is an evolving river basin. The river has passed its youthful landform development stage and entered “maturity”. Over the years, the river's flow has reduced due to various reasons. Despite the reduced flow, the region's physical landscape is vulnerable to soil erosion and floods. With the current trend of urban expansion and resource use, the area will face a severe shortage of freshwater. This work uses a combination of geomorphic markers to quantify the drainage basin and trace the changes. The morphometric parameters suggest the reducing influence of geological structure and the increasing control of climate and anthropogenic factors on the river's flow. Additionally, the circulatory ratio highlights that despite the region being vulnerable to floods, it is less prone to flash floods, and flood management would be easier. Using a combination of LANDSAT and ALOS-PALSAR datasets, it was also determined that the river intends to shift its meanders.