Applied Geomorphology | Geomorphology | Principle Of Geography

 

Geomorphology

Principle Of Geography

Geography Complete Study Material

(Paper - I)

Applied Geomrphology

            Each science subject  has two main aspects of its study viz. (i) systematic and theoretical aspect and (ii) applied aspect. The usefulness of any branch of knowledge lies in the fact that it helps in indentifying and ameliorating the problems, faced by human society, arising out of interactions of human activities and geomorphic and environmental systems. From this stand point the study of the science of geomorphology or the science of landforms is of paramount significance as this science studies the genesis and development of surface features of the earth which provide the very base for all the biota in general and human being in particular. Most of the problems, which the present-day society is concerned with, are related to environmental degradation from local through regional to global levels caused by human activities related to rapacious exploitation and irrational utilization of natural resources consequent upon rapidly increasing population. Geomorphological knowledge may be more useful in understanding such environmental problems and paving way for their corrections and solutions.

Applied geomorphology in Indian context

           'It is heartning to note that several geomorphologists, mainly at CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute), Jodhpur, have focused their attention towards this aspect of geomorphology. The effects of processes and extent of erosion on land use in central Luni Basin (Rajasthan) were assessed by B. Ghose et. al as early as 1968.

           The study of relationship between geomorphology and settlement and geomorphic controls on rural settlement is a significant area of applied geomorphology and such study was initiated by R.L. Singh at B.H.U., Varanasi during 1960s wherein relationships between landforms and rural  settlements in different parts of the country were examined. Later on, the impacts of geomorphic influences on rural settlements were examined by P.C. Vats et. al (1976), P.C. Vats and Surendra Singh etc.

Techniques of Applied geomorphology

Applied geomorphology deals with the interactions of geomorphology with anthropogenic activities. So the basic aspects of applied geomorphology are as follows:

• Mapping of landforms viz. slope elements which affect and/or modify human activity.
• Attempting to interpret aerial photographs and images taken by remote sensing methods.
• Monitoring the environmental changes, especially when such changes are not sustainable in nature.
• Endeavoring to assess the causes of unsustainable changes.
• Proposing remedies for hazards caused by unsustainable changes

• Interpretation of Aerial Photographs and Satellite Images:
  • Preparation of specialised maps and interpreting them has become easier and accurate with the introduction of air photographs and satellite imageries. Air photographs (taken from aeroplanes) are taken on different scales and the distributional patterns of relevant features are transferred on the maps bearing the same scales to make them up-to-date.
  • Nowadays, aerial photographs are being used for evaluating landforms and land use vis-a-vis city developmental plans, major construction projects, etc. Satellite imageries are useful for studying global and country-level climatic phenomena (weather forecasting has become more accurate with the introduction of meteorological data gathered by satellites) but these imageries are also of paramount importance in mineral prospecting, preparation of land use inventories and forecasting agricultural output etc.
• Remote Sensing
  • Remote sensing deals with the collection of information regarding objects from a certain distance without coming into contact with them. An assembly of electrooptical devices called ‘sensors’ as well as cameras measure spectral behaviour of objects under study. Nowadays, the most widely used remote sensing techniques are linked with the sensing of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the terrestrial objects.
  • Different objects have different scattering properties called signatures owing to their different molecular composition. A thorough knowledge of signatures is vital for interpreting satellite images.
  • Importance of Remote Sensing Technique:
    • Remote sensing is necessary for sustainable management of natural resources like soil, forest, crops, oceans, urban and town planning etc. Resource planners require such techniques for timely information on the condition and extent of resources. Since these resources are dynamic and replenish able in nature, the ground-based monitoring systems can hardly monitor the condition of these resources without a gap of days or weeks. Satellite-based surveys enjoy a definite advantage of repetitively.
    • These surveys are conducted from a height of 500-900 km above the surface. “Nowadays Geographical Information Systems or GIS technology has been used along with remote sensing techniques. GIS may be defined as spatial, integrated data-handling programmes used to gather, store and retrieve spatial data from the real world. GIS contain selected data, only those properties geographical investors consider to be relevant.”
    • Remote Sensing Survey enjoys the following advantages over ground surveys:
      • Synoptic view or wide coverage of a large area is possible.
      • Permanent record of ground conditions is subject to verification later at any time.
      • Interpretation of remote sensing data requires much less time than do cumbersome ground surveys.
      • Remote sensing technique is capable of accessing thermal and microwave regions not accessible to the naked eye.
      • Ground surveys involve more time, money and infrastructure in comparison to remote sensing surveys.
      • Ground surveys, if repeated, are highly uneconomical.
      • The same remote sensing data is useful for different purposes; for example, the same data may be used by soil scientists for soil surveys, by geohydrologists for groundwater surveys or by agricultural scientists for crop surveys.
      • Remote sensing surveys are free from handicaps like bad weather conditions.