Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for the study of Surfacial and Subsurfacial changes in Bhuj and Kathiawar due to Bhuj Earthquake 2001

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

Abstract
26^th January 2001 recorded one of the severest earthquakes ever recorded in the seismic history of India in the Kachchh region in the western state of Gujarat. The earthquake caused enormous loss to life and property. However geologically and geomorphologically it has lead to significant changes on the surface as well as subsurface. Remote Sensing and GIS has provided us with tools and techniques to study such changes effectively. The present paper is an attempt to make such a study in Bhuj and Kathiawar region. The intensity of the earthquake and the area affected has been so massive that it has lead to enormous surface deformation in the form of cracks and faults, lateral spreading and Liquefaction. From the study of the surfacial and subsurfacial changes and also past seismic record it can be concluded that the region will continue to remain tectonically an active region for a long time in the future too. A continuos study of the change occurring will further help in a better understanding of the geology and seismecity of the region.