Morpho-tectonic assessment of Central Northern escarpment of Peninsular India, based on tectonically sensitive geomorphic indices

ABSTRACT The morpho-tectonic characteristics of the study area were evaluated due to paleo-tectonic significance. The Upper Tons Basin is associated with the Ganga river system, originated over the fracture zones produced after the collision of Indian and Eurasian plates; hence, the study region has its tectonic importance with small-scale tectonic deformation. The relief, drainage and tectonic characteristics are analyzed by using digital elevation model and topographical maps, geomorphic indices, lineaments and transverse profiles. Result reveals that two-third areas are in declining from mature stage (H I < 0.50) or monadnock phase (H I < 0.40). The value of basin asymmetry factor is suggesting right-side tilting of the trunk stream due to the tributaries of the Tons river originating over the Bhander uplands being longer. Further, the comparison of the stream length gradient with normalized stream length gradient shows delineating tectonically anomalous regions, and the anomalous points are addressed in the longitudinal profiles. The scarps fronts of the plateau are more sinuous and highly eroded, while the straight Kaimur fronts indicate relatively sensitive fronts. The relative tectonic activity index helps to evaluate the potential tectonic activity of a drainage basin and drainage network developed over the tectonically pre-designed valley.