Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for the study of Surfacial and Subsurfacial changes in Bhuj and Kathiawar due to Bhuj Earthquake 2001
Narender Verma
Research Scholar, Department of Geography,
College of Social Science & Humanities
Mohanlal Sukhadia University
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Phone: +91 294 2432421
E-mail- naren_verma20022002@yahoo.com, vermanaren@indiatimes.com
Dr. Narpat Singh Rathore
Associate Professor
Department of Geography,
College of Social Science & Humanities,
Mohanlal Sukhadia University
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Phone: +91 294 2426548
E-mail- rathorens@yahoo.com
Study Area:
The present study area lies between 20°30' North to 24°30' North latitude and 69°E to 73°E longitudes. Rann of Kachchh flanks the region in the North, Gulf of Kachchh in the Southwest and the Little Rann of Kachchh in the East. It extends for approximately 250 kms from East to West and 150 Kms. from North to South. Nagar Parkar Fault in the North and Kathiawar Fault in the South flank it.
Material used:
In this study IRS, WiFS, IRS ID and LISS III Remote Sensing Satellite data of different dates in black and white and colour composites with the help of computer have been used for visual interpretation. The false colour composite remotely sensed data of 1:2,50,000 is brought to 1:100000 scale. Indian topographical maps have also been used. These have been supplemented by pictorial images to reveal the ground truth.
Geology & Geomorphic Structure of Kachchh: A brief insight into the geology and geomorphic structure of Kachchh region will not be out of place here. This region lies within 400 kms of the active plate boundary zone between the Indian subcontinent and the Asian Plate along Indo-Pakistan border. Structurally the features here include east trending faults and folds. Major faults include (a) Banni Fault (b) Nagar Parkar Fault (c) Kachchh Mainland fault (d) Island Belt Fault (e) Allah Bund Fault and (6) Katrol Hill fault. The rocks in the region are primarily Jurassic to Cretaceous age sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The region is generally composed of gently dipping beds. These faults have activated periodically. This has given rise not only to new topographic features but has also resulted in the modification of existing structural patterns.
The Kachchh Peninsula presents a complex geomorphic structure. The surface configuration, drainage patterns and relief are immensely affected by tectonic activity, sea level changes and the process of erosion and deposition. Physiographic structure of Kachchh consists of several high hills interspersed by low plains. The rugged hilly terrain is composed of Mesozoic rocks. The coastal plains bordering it are narrow strips of gently dipping Cenozoic rocks. These hill ranges separated by low lying Plains run almost parallel to each other revealing the predominant control of geological factors like folding faulting etc. The region has been tectonically active right from Mesozoic times. This activity has resulted in creation of new faults, changes in drainage patterns etc. Seismically in the past 200 years 4 major and several minor earthquakes have rocked the region including the Bhuj Earthquake of 2001.