See

discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282309521

CORRELATION OF GEOMORPHOMETRIC
PARAMETERS FOR THE HYDROLOGICAL
CHARACTERIZATION OF MEGHADRIGEDDA
WATERSHED, VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA A GIS
APPROACH
Article July 2012

CITATIONS

READS

22

3 authors:
Nooka Ratnam Kinthada

Usha Chirala

Adikavi Nannaya University

4 PUBLICATIONS 3 CITATIONS

21 PUBLICATIONS 87 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

SEE PROFILE

Murali Krishna Gurram

Xinthe Technologies
34 PUBLICATIONS 63 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

www.propertydreamz.com View project

All in-text references underlined in blue are linked to publications on ResearchGate,

letting you access and read them immediately.

Available from: Nooka Ratnam Kinthada

Retrieved on: 03 November 2016

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

CORRELATION OF
GEOMORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS
FOR THE HYDROLOGICAL
CHARACTERIZATION OF
MEGHADRIGEDDA WATERSHED,
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA A GIS
APPROACH
USHA CHIRALA
Department of Geo-Engineering, College of Engineering,
Andhra University,Visakapatnam-530003, India
Email: u_chirala@yahoo.com

NOOKA RATNAM KINTHADA

Assistant Professor
Department of Geoinformatics, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
AdiKavi Nannaya University,
Jayakrishnapuram, Rajahmundry-533105
East Godavari (District), India
Email: ratna_k12@yahoo.com

MURALI KRISHNA GURRAM

COWI India Pvt. Ltd.,
Plot No. 121, Phase-I, Udyog Vihar
Gurgaon-122016, Haryana, India
Email: murali.krishna.gurram@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Meghadrigedda, a non-perennial drainage system is one of the major water resource systems of Visakhapatnam
city located in the north coastal part of Andhra Pradesh, India. The study was intended to present a twodimensional approach to describe the properties of Meghadrigadda drainage morphometry at sub-basin level
using GIS as a tool for the analysis. Both linear as well as aerial morphometry parameters were analysed and
computed to reveal the morphometric aspects governing the Meghadrigedda basin area and understand the
fluviatile activity of its drainage system. The morphometry parameters are computed using Horton, Strahler and
Dejus computations and the analysis has resulted in the prioritization and division of the entire watershed into
nine sub-watersheds having a catchment area of about 368 km2, which includes the reservoir. Correlated
analysis of the geomorphometric parameters established the interdependency and the degree of influence of each
parameter on the remaining. The results helped the hydrological characterization of the watershed. Since, the
catchment area has been witnessing a large scale anthropogenic activity due to urbanization, the outcome of the
study will serve as a basis for the planning and development of a sustainable basin area.
Keywords: Drainage Morphometry, GIS, Meghadrigedda, Watershed, Drainage Network

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3169

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

1. Introduction
Around 70% of Indias population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture based economy and
availability of water resource is a prerequisite for it. According to a report published by the Central
Water Commission (CWC) in 2001, the state of Andhra Pradesh is having a total number of 1157 watersheds,
out of which 106 are over exploited and 79 are in deteriorating condition. It is understandable that, optimal
utilization of the water resources is a key to the sustenance of the future economy. In this context, the
importance of water has been recognized and greater emphasis is being laid on its economic use and better
management.
Drainage basin geometry is the result of various factors that reshape the topography of the region over a period
of time. These factors influence the run-off, sediment, water discharge and also the nature of the pattern of
stream channels in a drainage basin. Such factors include climate, topography, bedrock, soil type, and vegetation
cover.. According to P. A. Allen and John R. Allen, 1990, these primary factors can be classified into
autocyclic and allocyclic controls. Allocyclic controls include climate, which controls run-off or discharge
and weathering of the parent rocks, and tectonics which controls basin slopes and relief of hinterlands in the
drainage basin. Proper understanding of rework of these elements gives insights into the characteristics of
sediment discharge and water resource availability which in turn have far reaching impacts on the dependants.
While it is essential to assess, record and measure these elements qualitatively and quantitatively, it may not be
easy to do that directly all the times.
In such scenario, analysis of drainage morphometry provides a bottom-up approach to unravel the influence and
magnitude of the factors responsible for the outcomes. On the other hand, study of the drainage morphometry
also plays a significant role in understanding the landform processes, physical properties of the soil and erosion
characteristics.
1.1. Literature Review
Few studies have been conducted on Meghadrigedda, among them are studies conducted by Nageswara Rao and
Narendra (2009 & 2006) to map and evaluate the impact of urban sprawl. They have also carried out a
preliminary analysis of Meghadrigedda river watershed. In yet another study, Nageswara Rao, et. al. (2008)
have also attempted to assess the ground water quality of Meghadrigedda watershed.
Various studies have been carried out on drainage morphometry analysis and its significance in watershed
modeling. Nooka Ratnam et. al. (2005) and Sujata Biswas et. al. (1999) have studied the drainage morphometry
and its importance in prioritizing the watersheds and estimated the sediment yield. Other recent works include
Chopra et. al. (2005)on morphometric analysis of Bhagra Phungotri and Hara Maja sub watersheds of
Gurdaspur district, Punjab. Srinivasa et. al. (2004) morphometric analysis on sub watersheds of Pawagada area,
Tumkur district, Karnataka.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area
The study area lies in between the geographic coordinates of 830 00 to 830 17 of eastern longitudes and 170 42
and 170 57 northern latitudes and is bound by three administrative mandals (sub-districts) of Visakhapatnam
district of Andhra Pradesh, namely, Sabbavaram, Pendurthi ,K.Kotapadu,and Kottavalsa mandal of
Vizianagaram district. Visakhapatnam is the major city located in the study area and is also dependent on
Mehadrigedda for its industrial, agriculture and domestic water use. (Fig 1).

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3170

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Fig. 1 Location Map of the Study Area

2.2. Details of the Reservoir

Mehadrigedda is an east flowing non-perennial river taking its rise in the eastern ghats at Nandikonda hill. It
flows towards Rajapurajapeta village in S. Kota mandal of Visakhapatnam district then it turns south upto
Karuvapuvanipalem village and thereafter it runs in the south-eastern direction and joins the Bay of Bengal near
Ramapuvanipalem, Visakhapatnam.
The reservoir was commissioned in the year 1979 with a storage capacity of 28.31m. Later, during the year
1989, the water withdrawal capacity of the reservoir was increased to 10.00 million gallons per day (source:
Zilla PrajaParishad). Unlike the reservoirs constructed in the hilly terrain, Mehadrigedda is a typical shallow
reservoir covering a large area. Even a meter thickness of sediment deposit in the bed causes the reduction of
huge quantity of water storage. (Table 1), provides the details of the reservoir.
Table1. Details of the Reservoir

Maximum water level of the reservoir

Low water level of the reservoir
Daily drawal
Domestic usage
Industrial usages
Source: Zilla Praja Parishad, Visakhapatnam.

+ 20.33m
+14.66m
10.00, million gallons per day
1.65 Mgd
8.35 Mgd

The study area is criss-crossed by a major and minor network of the roads, among the prominent, the national
highway 5 (NH 5), which connects Chennai and Kolkata, the other two important cities located in the east coast
of India. The other major roads passing through the study area connect the Cities, Visakhapatnam Anakapalli and Sabbavaram - Pendurti. The south eastern railway line connecting Visakhapatnam - Kottavalasa
is passing through the northern part of the study area.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3171

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

2.3. Physiography
The areal extent of the entire study area is about 340.34 km2 which also includes the reservoir. Meghadrigedda,
Naravagedda and Borramgedda are the three major ephemeral rivers which form the basin area. The area is
covered by hill ranges of Eastern Ghats with steep slopes and deep gullies and is bounded by hill ranges
elevated between 70 to 594 m above the msl. The most prominent hill ranges are the Narava and Yerrakonda.
The study area is manifested mostly with deciduous dry and deciduous scrub vegetation types. The Narava RF
and Yerrakonda RF are the two designated reserved forests that covered by the study area.
The study area enjoys sub tropical climate conditions and the temperature ranges min. 140-200 C during the
month of December and max. 330-420 C during May. The area receives rainfall mostly during June-December
from both the southwest and northeast monsoon, and the annual average rainfall is 1110 mm. (Source: Zilla
Praja Parishad, Visakhapatnam). The river rises to its peak during October-November months and inundates the
surrounding low lying areas of Visakhapatnam city, due to the formation of cyclonic storms in the Bay of
Bengal. Though, the area is manifested with innumerable number of minor tanks which do not however
significantly reduce the flood peaks and their duration.
Geologically, the area is composed of sedimentary metamorphosed rocks of the Archean system. These rocks
have been intruded by granites, charconites and dolerites. The hill ranges are chiefly garnetiferous sillimanite
gneisses (Khondalites).
The area is characterized with brown and reddish sandy to loamy, lateritic and alluvium type of soils with less
clay and humus content. They are medium to fine grained, essentially, non-clayey and are easily erodable on
steep slopes during the heavy rainfall.

2.4. Methodology
Survey of India (SOI) topographic maps no.s 65 O/1, 65 O/2 and 65 O/5 on 1:50,000 covers the entire study
area. The SOI toposheets have been georeferenced and the drainage network has been demarcated as a vector
layer in *.shp format. Stream ordering was done according to the rules given by Strahlers (1964). Subsequently,
morphometric parameters have been computed using various standard mathematical equations suggested by
different renowned scholars. Processing and analysis of drainage network data was carried out using ArcGIS
software.

2.5. Morphometry Analysis

Morphometry can be defined as the mathematical analysis and measurement of the surface, shape and
dimension of the landforms. Morphometric analysis is a significant tool for prioritization of micro watersheds
even without considering the soil map (Biswas et al., 1999). The correlation between geomorphic and
hydrologic variables has been established since 1932 by several scholars under varied lithological and climatic
conditions. Horton (1945) studied extensive investigation on drainage basins of stream systems and showed a
mathematical relationship between morphometry, hydrology and landscape. Further, Strahler (1952, 1957,
1958) has carried out extensive investigation on the basis of Hortons morphometric analysis of river drainage
basins. Strahler and Smith (1950) have developed quantitative methods using new parameters of geological and
climatic variations. Much impetus was given to Hortons (1945) method of quantitative analysis of
morphometric characteristics of drainage basins. Stream ordering is the first step to begin the morphometric
analysis. Various scholars like Horton (1945), Strahler (1952), Scheidegger (1966) and Shreve (1966), have
proposed different methods for stream ordering. The linear, aerial and relief aspects were studied using the
methods of Horton (1932, 1945) Strahler (1952, 1964) Chorley (1957). The list of the mathematical formulae
adopted for the analysis of Mehadrigedda drainage morphometry is given in (Table 3).

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3172

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)
Table3. Mathematical formula adopted for computation of morphometric parameters.

S#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Morphometric Parameters
Order of basin or stream segment
Number of streams of order
Total
no.
of
streams
within
basin of order
Mean length of stream segments of order
Total stream length within a basin of order
Mean length
Stream length
Form factor
Drainage density
Stream frequency
Texture
Texture ratio
Bifurcation ratio

the

Formula

N
EN
L/N
El
Total length of Streams / No. of streams
L/ L + 1
Basin Area / Length of the basin 2
Dd = L/A
F = N/A
T = F x Dd
T = N/P
N / N + 1

3. Analysis and Discussion

Morphometric analysis has been performed in the GIS environment to identify the characteristics of various
linear, aerial and dissecting parameters of the watershed.
3.1. Linear Aspects
The linear aspects include the stream order, stream length, stream length ratio and bifurcation ratio which have
been calculated and mentioned in a table format (Table 8).
Table 8. Morphometric characteristics of sub-watersheds

Order

No. of
streams

N1
N2
N3
N4
--

43
12
3
1
--

N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6

76
19
3
1
1
1

N1
N2
N3
N4

42
13
2
1

N1
N2
N3
N4

56
17
3
1

ISSN : 0975-5462

Length of streams
(km)

Mean length
(km)

Stream length
ratio

a) Sub-watershed 1; Area = 27.4 km2, Perimeter = 24.5.km

26.5
0.61
0.27
7.3
0.60
0.25
5.0
1.66
0.33
6.0
6.0
--Avg. = 2.21
Avg. = 0.28
b) Sub-watershed 2; Area = 43.8 km2, Perimeter = 45.5 km
57
0.75
0.25
25
1.31
0.15
5
1.66
0.33
1
1.00
1.00
12.5
12.5
1.00
3.5
3.5
-Avg. = 3.45
Avg. = 0.54
c) Sub-watershed - 3; Area = 19.55 km2, Perimeter =19.0 km
25
0.59
0.30
13.5
1.03
0.15
5.0
2.50
0.50
2.0
2.00
-Avg. = 1.53
Avg. = 0.31
d) Sub-watershed 4; Area= 31.55 km2, Perimeter = 25.0 km
42.5
0.75
0.30
16.5
0.97
0.17
2.5
0.83
0.33
7.5
7.5
-Avg. = 2.51
Avg. = 0.26

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

Bifurcation
ratio

3.58
4.00
3.00
-Avg. = 3.52
4.0
6.33
3.0
1.0
1.0
-Avg. = 3.06
3.23
6.50
2.00
-Avg. = 3.91
3.29
5.66
3.00
-Avg. = 3.98

3173

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

N1
N2
N3
N4

18
5
2
1

N1
N2
N3
N4
N5

116
34
9
2
1

N1
N2
N3
N4
N5

204
55
10
4
1

N1
N2
N3
N4
N5

119
30
4
2
1

N1
N2
N3
N4

18
5
1
1

e) Sub-watershed 5; Area=11.0 km2, Perimeter = 14 km

12
0.66
0.27
7
1.40
0.40
3
1.50
0.50
1
1.0
-Avg. =1.14
Avg. =0.39
f) Sub-watershed 6; Area = 56.52 km2; Perimeter = 32 km
37.5
0.32
0.29
23.5
0.69
0.26
12.5
1.38
0.22
7.5
3.75
0.50
4.5
4.50
-Avg. = 2.12
Avg. = 0.31
g) Sub-watershed 7; Area = 86.10 km2; Perimeter = 35 km
175
0.85
0.26
51.5
0.93
0.18
8.5
0.85
0.40
15.0
3.75
0.25
6.0
6.0
-Avg. = 2.47
Avg. = 0.27
h) Sub-watershed 8; Area = 45.72 km2; Perimeter = 29.5 km
75
0.63
0.25
21.5
0.71
0.13
6.0
1.5
0.50
4.0
2.0
0.50
6.0
6.0
Avg. = 2.16
Avg. = 2.16
i) Sub-watershed 9; Area =18.7 km2, Perimeter = 27.5 km
12.5
0.69
0.27
3.0
0.6
0.25
5.0
5.0
1.00
3.0
3.0
-Avg. = 2.32
Avg. = 0.50

3.6
2.5
2.0
-Avg. =2.7
3.41
3.77
4.50
2.0
-Avg. = 3.42
3.70
5.50
5.0
4.0
-Avg. = 4.55
3.96
7.50
2.0
2.0
Avg. = 3.86
3.6
5.0
1.0
-Avg. = 3.2

3.1.1. Stream Order and Runoff (or) Discharge

Stream ordering is the first step in drainage basin analysis. Several scientists have attempted to formulate a
methodology for stream ordering, but the work of Horton (1932, 1945) marked the beginning of the wide spread
use of channel ordering systems in geomorphology. However, Strahlers (1952) method of stream ordering has
been considered for this work as it is the universal application of stream order.
It has been identified that, the number of the streams in the 2nd order is less than the 1st order and more than that
of the 3rd order and so on and so forth. The entire watershed has been divided into nine sub basins and the results
have been computed for all parameters for each basin. It is found that, 6th is the maximum order obtained in the
basin which can be seen in the second basin. It is also noticed that, more number of 1st and 2nd order streams are
mostly confined to hilly terrains composed of hard rock substrata located towards northern, eastern and western
parts of the basin. Stream orders and prioritization of sub-watersheds can be seen in (Fig. 2).

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3174

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Fig. 2 Drainage and Sub-watershed Map

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3175

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Fig. 3 Drainage Density Map

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3176

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Fig. 4 Map showing the distribution of hydromorphic units in the Meghadrigedda watershed.

3.1.2. Stream Length (L)

Stream Length (L) is a significant hydrological property of the basin which reveals the surface runoff
characteristics. L has been computed for all the sub-basins of the watershed based on the mathematical
equation proposed by Horton (1945). Stream number, their corresponding lengths and means in the basin are
given in (Table 4 and Table 5), respectively.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3177

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)
Table 4. Stream numbers and their lengths.

Sub-basin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

N1
42
76
42
56
18
116
204
119
19

L1
26.5
58
25
42.5
12
37.5
17.5
75
13

N2
11
17
13
17
5
34
55
30
4

L2
7
2
13.5
16.5
7
21.5
51.5
21.5
4

N3
3
3
2
3
2
9
8
4
1

L3
5
5
5
2.5
3
11
8
6
7.5

N4
1
1
1
1
1
2
4
2
1

L4
6
1
2
7.5
1
7.5
15
4
--

N5
-1
---1
1
1
--

L5
-12.5
---4.5
6.0
6.0
--

N6
-1
--------

L6
-3.5
--------

Table 5. Mean lengths (km) of various orders

Sub-basin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

1st order
0.61
0.75
0.59
0.75
0.66
0.32
0.85
0.63

2nd order
0.60
1.31
1.03
0.97
1.40
0.69
0.93
0.71

3rd order
1.66
1.66
2.50
0.83
1.50
1.38
0.85
1.5

4th order
6
1
2
7.5
1
3.75
3.75
2

5th order
-12.5
---4.5
6
6

6th order
-3.5
-------

0.69

0.60

--

--

Table 6. Stream Frequencies

Sub-basin
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Area
(km2)
27.4
43.8
19.55
31.55
11
56.52
86.1
45.72
18.7

N1

N2

N3

N4

N5

N6

F1

F2

F3

F4

F5

F6

EN

43
76
43
56
18
116
204
119
18

12
19
13
17
5
34
55
30
50

3
3
3
3
2
9
10
4
60

1
1
1
1
1
2
4
2
1

-1
---1
1
1
--

-1
--------

1.56
1.73
2.19
1.77
1.63
2.05
2.36
2.6
0.96

0.43
0.43
0.66
0.53
0.45
0.6
0.63
0.65
0.26

0.1
0.06
0.1
0.09
0.18
0.15
0.11
0.08
0.05

0.03
0.02
0.05
0.03
0.09
0.03
0.04
0.04
0.05

-----0.01
0.01
0.02
--

----------

2.12
2.24
3
2.42
2.35
2.84
3.15
3.39
1.32

3.1.3. Stream Bifurcation Ratio (Rb)

According to Schumn (1956), the term bifurcation ratio may be defined as the ratio of a number of a given order
N to the number of streams to the next highest order N + 1. The bifurcation ratio is the antilogarithm of the
regression of logarithm of number of streams to stream order (Morisawa 1962). Rb values in the study range
from 2.7 to 4.5. The differences in Rb values can be attributed to geological and lithological development of the
drainage basin (Strahler 1964). Higher Rb values indicate for a strong structural control in the drainage pattern,
whereas the lower values indicate that the sub-basins are less affected by the structural disturbances (Strahler,
1964). Rb values have been computed for all the sub-basins in the watershed and the results are given in (Table
8).
3.2. Areal Aspects
It is defined as the total area projected on a horizontal plane, contributing overland flow to the channel segment
of the given order including tributaries of lower order. The factors associated with the basin area are length of
the stream, lithology, degree of slope, stream frequency, drainage density and rainfall of the area. The drainage
basin shape is instrumental in governing the rate at which water is supplied to the main streams and proceeds to
the outlet.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3178

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

3.2.1. Area (A)

The area of a basin of order is defined as the total area projected upon a horizontal plane, contributing
overland flow to the channel segment of the given order and including all tributaries of lower order. The total
area of the Mehadrigedda drainage basin is computed as 347.29 km2. Areas of each sub-basin of the watershed
and their perimeters are shown in (Table 4).
3.2.2. Perimeter (P)
Perimeter is the length of the boundary of the basin which is drawn from the toposheets and is measured in the
GIS environment. It is measured that, Mehadrigedda has a basin perimeter of 192 km.
3.2.3. Drainage pattern and its significance
Varying degrees of the slope and rock resistance of the surface of a region will determine the patterns and form
of the streams of specific character. Study of drainage patterns may also reflect the original slope, structure, the
successive geomorphic episodes that led to the transformation of the surface, including the geomorphic events,
such as, uplift depression, titling, warping, folding, faulting and jointing as well as deposition by the sea
glaciers, volcanic winds and rivers etc. (Zernitz, 1932). According to Zernitz (1932), various types of drainage
patterns found in nature can be broadly categorized into dendritic, rectangular, parallel, trellis, annular and
radial.
The analysis has shown that, Mehadrigedda drainage network is predominantly of dentritic pattern. Dentritic
pattern is found in regions where rocks offer uniform resistance in a horizontal direction. This pattern is found
mostly in the hilly regions of the watershed.
3.2.4. Drainage density (Dd)
Dd represents the length of stream channels per unit area in the watershed. Dd is controlled by the lithology
underneath the basin area. Dd aids in measuring the fineness of the basin topography. In quantitative
geomorphology, Dd is used as one of the essential parameter for the study of drainage basin. The other
parameters include (a) nature of drainage (b) shape of the basin and (c) relief, slope and aspect. High Dd is
related to steep slopes and higher average relief. Therefore, normally, mountainous regions will have a high Dd
values. High drainage density values indicate for high precipitation and runoff volume. Thus, it can be inferred
that, the areas with more Dd values are more prone to flooding. Drainage is nearly zero in permeable basins
with high infiltration rates. Low drainage density indicates relatively long flow of surface water.
Dd is generally calculated for each grid of the basin area and according to Deju (1971), type of Dd of the
region can be categorized as poor, medium and excellent as given in (Table 2).
Table 2. Dejus Drainage Density Classification

Density
Poor
Medium
Excellent

Range in km
0.5
0.5-1.5
1.5

From the drainage density map (Fig. 2), it is inferred that the Mehadrigedda basin is having an excellent
drainage density and the chances of soil erosion is more in these areas. Drainage density of the area is calculated
by using the formula L /A and the values are given in (Table 7).
3.2.5. Stream Frequency (F)
The total number of stream segments of all orders per unit area is known as stream frequency (Horton, 1932).
The study resulted in the stream frequency values varying from 1.36 - 3.18.
F = N / A = Number of streams / Area of the Basin.
3.3. Dissection Properties
Various basin dissection parameters were analysed for the prioritization of sub watersheds. The details are given
in the Table 7.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3179

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

3.3.1. Form Factor (Ff)

The form factor is a quantitative expression of drainage basin outline form (Horton 1945) which is a
dimensionless ratio of basin area A to the square of basin length Lb, thus Ff = A / Lb2 (i.e., Area of the basin
/ Length of the basin2). If the Ff value of the basin is larger - the basin will have a circular form; and if the
value of Ff is smaller - then the basin will have an elongated form. The analysis has inferred that the Ff values
of the Mehadrigedda watershed range from 0.12-0.44. (Table 7).
Table 7. Basin geometry and dissection properties of various sub-watersheds

SubA
L
P
Re
Ff
Dd
T
T
F
Ac
Basin
1
27.4
10
24.5
0.87
0.27
1.63
2.40
3.48
2.15
2.18
2
43.8
19
45.5
0.73
0.12
2.37
2.21
5.45
2.30
0.26
3
19.55
7.5
19.0
0.83
0.34
2.32
3.05
6.86
2.96
0.68
4
31.55
10
25
1.00
0.31
2.18
3.06
5.31
2.44
0.63
5
11.0
5.0
14
0.70
0.44
2.09
1.85
4.93
2.36
0.70
6
62.07
11.0
32
1.79
0.51
1.37
5.06
3.56
2.60
0.76
7
86.10
16
35
1.71
0.33
2.97
7.82
9.44
3.18
0.88
8
45.90
10.62
29.5
1.37
0.40
2.45
5.28
7.71
3.51
0.71
9
18.25
10
23.0
0.58
0.18
1.28
1.08
1.74
1.36
0.43
Area ( A), Stream Length (L ), Perimeter (P), Elongation Ratio (Re), Form Factor (Ff), Drinage Density (Dd),
Texture Ration (T), Texture (T), Frequency (F), Circulatory Ratio (Ac)
3.3.2. Basin Elongation Ratio (Re)
The shape of any basin is expressed by an elongation ratio which is the ratio of diameter of a circle having same
perimeter to the maximum length of the basin (Schumm, 1956). The discharge characteristics of any watershed
are controlled by the elongation ratio. Normally, for a variety of geological and climatic types, this ratio ranges
between 0.6-1.0. As the relief increases, will so the discharge and surface runoff, while it decreases the basin
elongation ratio. The study area has shown the elongation ratio values between 0.58-1.71(Table 7).
3.3.3. Circulatory Ratio (Ac)
It is a shape measured related to stream flow. Circulatory ratio is the ratio of the basin area A to the area of
the circle. Ac is having the same perimeter as that of the basin (Miller 1953). Ac = A * 4 /P2
The property of Ac is that, it controls the discharge of the watershed. It is noticed that, Ac readings of
Mehadrigedda watershed range from 0.26-2.18, (Table 7).

3.3.4. Texture (T)

Texture is defined as the average size of the units composing in a given topography (Johnson 1933). Thus
texture of topography is synonymous with stream frequency. The texture of the rock commonly depends upon
vegetation type and climate (Dormkamp and King 1970).The drainage texture can be expressed by equation
Smith (1950). Mathematically the Texture is expressed as T = F * Dd
Where F = Drainage topography; Dd = Drainage density
The texture values obtained for each sub-basin is given in ( Table 7).
3.3.5. Texture Ratio (T)
T is the number of crenulations on a contour having the maximum number within the drainage basin to the
length of the perimeter of the basin. The study reveals that this new approach is very fast in dealing with the
morphometric conditions of a region. Texture Ration T is given as T =N / p
Where N is the number of streams of order ; P = perimeter of the basin. Texture ratios obtained for each
sub-basin is given in (Table 7).

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3180

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

3.3.6. Correlation Analysis of Drainage Morphometric Characteristics

To study and understand the degree of dependency and influence of each of the morphometric parameter of the
watershed, a 2-dimensional matrix (Table. 9) have been generated to see the correlation and proportional
influence of the aspects which determines the behavior of the basin as a whole. The 2-dimensional matrix and
the results provided in the table suggests that, most of the drainage morphometric parameters of the
Meghadrigedda watershed are in fact showing a positive correlation with each other which means that these
parameters are interdependent on one on another, except in few cases where various factors plays a major role in
making them independent.
Table 9. Correlation analysis of geomorphometric parameters

A
A
L
P
Re
Ff
Dd
T
T
F
Ac

L
1

P
0.78
1

Re
0.84
0.99
1

Ff
0.88
0.44
0.54
1

Dd
-0.07
-0.30
-0.28
0.15
1

T
0.37
0.06
0.09
0.38
0.36
1

T
0.76
0.26
0.35
0.94
0.25
0.55
1

F
0.40
-0.05
0.01
0.55
0.33
0.92
0.76
1

Ac
0.36
-0.17
-0.08
0.66
0.43
0.69
0.84
0.90
1

0.07
-0.33
-0.30
0.28
0.36
0.45
0.50
0.62
0.71
1

For instance, the area (A) parameter of the basin have shown very positive correlation with remaining
parameters, except with form factor which means that most of these parameters are some way or other
influenced by the area of the basin and they share a direct proportional relationship. In case of stream length
ratio (L), it has shown a very strong correlation with basin perimeter (P) which indicates that both are
interdependent. It means that, stream length ration is directly proportional to the perimeter and in other words
the more the stream length ratio the more will be the basin perimeter. It is also observed that, the basin perimeter
is also having some positive correlation with the parameters like elongation Ratio (Re), drainage density (Dd),
and texture ratio (T), while it has shown a negative correlation with the remaining parameters indicating that, it
is independent of these factors. Basin perimeter (P), which is also one of the most influencing factors, however
shown positive correlation with some of the morphometric factors like Elongation Ratio (Re), Drainage Density
(Dd), Texture Ratio (T), and Texture (T) and it has shown negative correlation with other remaining factors.
Elongation ratio (Re), which determines the shape of the basin and controls the discharge throughput in the
basin has shown a complete positive correlation with all the other drainage morphometric parameters which
indicates that it has certain degree of influence over all the remaining parameters. Form Factor (Ff), which
determines whether a basin is circular or elongated in shape has also shown a positive correlation with the
remaining parameters. All other parameters like, drainage density (Dd), Texture Ratio (T), Texture (T),
Frequency (F) and Circulatory Ratio (Ac) have demonstrated a strong degree of positive correlation with their

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3181

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

peer parameters, indicating that they are all interdependent and some way or other have been influenced by one
on another. In a nutshell, the study of the correlation on 2-dimensional matrix has clearly shown the pull and
push nature of the drainage morphometric parameters on one on another. Though, it is possible to study and
evaluate each individual parameter separately and the drainage morphometric parameters seem to be
independent of each other, but in reality they are closely netted and have a strong control over the other. This
inadvertently indicates that, any change occurred to one of the factors is detrimental to another thus one needs to
be very careful in assessing the influence of these parameters in characterizing the behavior of the basin.
4. Evaluation of Hydromorphological Conditions
Geomorphometric analysis of the Meghadrigedda watershed also helped in the accurate delineation and
mapping of hydromorphological conditions of the study area. Based on the results obtained from various
morphometric parameters and through various field investigations, it has been identified that the study area is
characterized with various hydromorphological units, such as, structural hills, inselbergs, residual hills,
pediment zone, pediment, buried pediment shallow, buried sediment moderate and flood plain were identified
and mapped. The distribution of hydromorphic units in the watershed area has been mapped (Fi. 4). The map
clearly brings out the various geomorphological units in detail. The Meghadrigedda reservoir as well as the
numerous tanks, shown in blue, occupy a prominent place as be expected. The other striking features in the map
are structural hills shown in all around the watershed. Subsequently, the areal distribution and percent area
coverage of each hydromorphic units have been computed and presented in the Table 8.
As it can be seen from the hydromorphic unit wise classification map, majority of the Meghadrigedda watershed
area is covered by buried pediment moderate class covering an area of 124.52 km2 with a total cover of 33.9%,
followed by the floodplain which accounts for about 25.9% of watershed area housing 29 villages occupying an
area of 95.29 km2. The remaining area is covered by various hydromorphic units, such as, buried sediment
shallow with 11.74%, structural hills with 11.3%, inselbergs/residual hills with 10.3% and pediment with 6.89%
area respectively.
5. Conclusion
The morphometry analysis and subsequent correlation analysis of the Mehadrigedda watershed has revealed
that, it represents the dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern with a moderate texture. The variation in stream
length ratios and stream bifurcation ratios of the sub-watersheds indicate that they have normal basin category
while the low drainage density suggests the presence of highly permeable sub-soil and coarse drainage texture.
The values of stream frequency indicate that, all the sub-basins show positive correlation with increasing stream
population. The values of form factor and circulatory ratio suggest that the basin is elongated while the subbasins are in circular form. Correlated analysis of the geomorphometric aspects highlighted the significance of
such analysis in establishing the degree of influence and interdependency of each parameter on another. Study
on Mapping of hydromorphic units and their spatial distribution helped in understanding erosion susceptibility
and water potentiality zones of the watershed.
The study demonstrates the effective use of GIS for geomorphometry analysis, prioritization of the subwatersheds of Mehadrigedda watershed. Results of the morphometric analysis also revealed that the subwatersheds have varying degrees of erosion intensity. Hence, suitable soil erosion control measures are required
for these sub-watersheds to prevent any further erosion activity.

6. Acknowledgements
We sincerely thank Prof. V. Venkateswara Rao of Department of Geo-Engineering, Andhra University and the
staff of INRIMT, Hyderabad for their support during the work.

7. References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]

Biswas.,S., Sudhakar,S and Desai, V.R.(1999): Prioritization of sub watersheds based on morphometric analysis of drainage basin. A
remote sensing and GIS approach. Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 27(3): 155-166.
Bull and Strahler A.N. (1958): Dimensional analysis applied to fluvially eroded landforms. Bull Geo Soc of Am. 69: 279-300.
Central Water Commission (2001) Water Resources of India, Introduction, CWC, New Delhi, India.
Chorley, R.J., 1957, Climate and morphometry. Jour.Geol., 65: 628-638.
Chorley, R.J., 1957. Illustrating the laws of morphometry. Geol. Mag.94(2): 140-150
Doorkamp, J.C and King, C.A.M., 1971. Numerical analysis in Geomorphology: An introduction. Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.
London, 372

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3182

Usha Chirala et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)
[7]

[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]

[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]

Horton R.E(1945) Erosional development of streams and their drainage basins: Hydrophysical approach to quantitative morphology.
Bulletin of the Geological R.E, 1945 Erosional development of stream and their drainage basin. Hydrological approach to Quantitative
morphology, Bull of the Geophysical Society of America., 56 :275-370.
Johnson,(1933), Available relief and texture of topography: A discussion. Jour. Geol., 41: 293-305.
Miller (1953),A quantitative geomorphic study of drainage basins characteristics in the Clinch mountain area, Virginia, Tennessee,
technical report 3, Office of the naval research. Dept of Geology, Columbia University, New York.
Morisawa M.E.(1962). Relation of quantitative geomorphology of streams flow in representative watersheds of Appalachian plateau
province, Bull Geol.Soc America.V.73:1025-1046.
Melton M.A. (1958) Correlation structure of morphometric properties of drainage systems and their controlling agents. Jour. Geol. 66:
442-460.
Nageswara Rao K and Narendra K (2006) Mapping and evaluation of urban sprawling in the Mehadrigedda watershed in
Visakhapatnam metropolitan region using remote sensing and GIS. Current Science. 91(11):1552-1557.
Narendra K and Nageswara Rao K (2006).Morphometry of the Meghadrigedda watershed, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh
using GIS and Resourcesat data. J Indian Soc Remote Sens. 34(2): 101-110.
Nageswara Rao K, Narendra K, Venkateswarlu P (2008) Assessment of groundwater quality in Mehadrigedda watershed,
Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Pollution Research. 26(3): 313-324.
Nooka Ratnam K, Srivastasava Y.K, Venkateswarao V, Amminedu E, and Murthy K.S.R (2005) Check dam positioning by
prioritization of micro-watersheds using SYI model and morphometric analysis - Remote sensing and GIS perspective. J Indian Soc
Remote Sens 33(1): 25-38.
Phillip. A. Allen and John R. Allen (1990) Basin Analysis Principles and Application (1st edit.), Blackwell Publishing, Chapter 7,
194.
Schumm S.A. (1956) Evolution of drainage systems and slopes in badlands at Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Geol .soc. Am. Bull. 67:
597-646.
Sheidegger A.E. (1966) Scholastic branching process and the law of stream numbers water resources Res., 2(2): 199-203.
Shreve R.L. (1967). Infinitive topologically random channel networks. Jour Geol., 77: 397-414.
Smith K.G. (1950) Standards for grading texture of erosional topography. Am. Jour Sci., 248: 655-668.
Strahler A.N. (1954) Statistical analysis in geomorphic research, Jour Geol 62: 1-25.
Strahler A.N. (1957) Quantitative analysis of watershed geomorphology. Trans. Am, Geophys. union, 38: 913-920.
Strahler A.N. (1964) Quantitative geomorphology of drainage basins and channel networks, section 4-II. In: Handbook of applied
Hydrology, edited by V.T Chow. Mc Graw-Hill 4-39.
Sujata Biswas, Sudhakar S, and Desai V.R., (1999) Prioritization of sub watersheds based on morphometric analysis of drainage basin
- A remote sensing and GIS approach. J Indian Soc Remote Sens. 27(3): 155-166.
Zerentz, E.R., 1932, Drainage patterns and their significance. Jour.Geol., 40, : 498-521.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 4 No.07 July 2012

3183