Relative active tectonics evaluation using geomorphic and drainage indices, in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, western India

The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.

Geomorphic indices and relative tectonic uplift in the Guerrero sector of the Mexican forearc

Tectonically active areas,such as forearc regions,commonly show contrasting relief,differential tectonic uplift,variations in erosion rates,in river incision,and in channel gradient produced by ongoing tectonic deformation.Thus,information on the tectonic activity of a defined area could be derived via landscape analysis.This study uses topography and geomorphic indices to extract signals of ongoing tectonic deformation along the Mexican subduction forearc within the Guerrero sector.For this purpose,we use field data,topographical data,knickpoints,the ratio of volume to area（Rva）.the stream-length gradient index（St）,and the normalized channel steepness index（k_（sn））.The results of the applied landscape analysis reveal considerable variations in relief,topography and geomorphic indices values along the Guerrero sector of the Mexican subduction zone.We argue that the reported differences are indicative of tectonic deformation and of variations in relative tectonic uplift along the studied forearc.A significant drop from central and eastern parts of the study area towards the west in values of R_（VA）（from ~500 to^300）,St（from ~500 to ca.400）,maximum St（from ~1500-2500 to ~ 1000） and k_（sn）（from ~150 to ~100） denotes a decrease in relative tectonic uplift in the same direction.We suggest that applied geomorphic indices values and forearc topography are independent of climate and lithology.Actual mechanisms responsible for the observed variations and inferred changes in relative forearc tectonic uplift call for further studies that explain the physical processes that control the forearc along strike uplift variations and that determine the rates of uplift.The proposed methodology and results obtained through this study could prove useful to scientists who study the geomorphology of forearc regions and active subduction zones.

Assessing tectonic influence on landscape evolution:case study of the Nandakini Watershed,Western Himalaya

Understanding the active tectonic processes in the Nandakini Watershed is imperative for evaluating geological hazards and seismic risks,as well as for informing land-use planning and natural resource management strategies in the region.Tectonic geomorphology serves as a vital tool for characterizing recent tectonic movements.This research employs GIS techniques to elucidate tectonic activity and its influence on drainage patterns in the Nandakini Watershed,utilizing morphometric parameters derived from SRTM DEM data.Morphometric indices are employed to assess the tectonic movement within drainage basins,capturing both areal and linear factors such as drainage density,texture,circulatory and bifurcation ratios,and stream length ratios.The linear and areal morphometric indices are categorized into three classes representing varying degrees of active tectonic activity.These classifications are then utilized to compute the relative active tectonic index(IRAT).In addition,geomorphic parameters include hypsometric integral,stream length-gradient index,normalized steepness index,chi gradient index,and swath profiles.The majority of the studied region is in an extremely high to moderately active tectonic zone.Large-scale faults and thrusts within the basins are closely correlated with these zones that have been identified.The integrated methodology of GIS-based morphometric analysis and geomorphic study enables the identification of deformed landforms associated with ongoing tectonic activity.Furthermore,these results offer valuable insights for informing watershed management strategies and promoting sustainable land use planning initiatives.

Proposing a novel geo-structural model for Torbat-e-Jam-Fariman plain(Northeast of Iran),based on Geomorphic indices calculation,conjugating the field evidences

There are various faults in northern and southern margins of Torbat-e-Jam-Fariman plain which show the probability of enormous earthquake in the future.In present study the geomorphic indices contain Asymmetry Function(Af),Sinuosity of mountain front(Smf),Valley floor index(Vf),Hypsometric index(Hi),Mean Axial slope of channel index(MASC)and Drainage Basin Shape(Bs),have been utilized to determine the relative tectonic activity index(IAT)to recognize,eventually,the geo-structural model of the study area.Faults and folds control the geo-structural activities of the study area,and the geomorphic indices are being affected in consequence of their activities.The intensity of these activities is different throughout the plain.There are many geomorphic evidences,related to active transform fault which are detectable all over the study area such as deviated rivers,quaternary sediments transformation,fault traces.Therefore,recognition of geo-structural model of the study area is extremely vital.Field study,then,approved the results of geomorphic indices calculation in determining the geo-structural model of the study area.Results depicted that the geostructural model of the study area is a kind of Horsetail splay form which is in accordance to the relative tectonic activity of the study area.Based on the above mentioned results it can be predicted that the splays are the trail of Neyshabour fault.