Geomorphometry and micro-watershed basin delineation using RS and GIS: A case study of micro-level geodatabase creation of Salsate Taluka, Goa

Abstract

The management of natural resources has become a complex task as more and more socio-economical activities (such as urban development, agriculture, shipping, harbor development, fisheries, oil and gas production, waste disposal and nature conservation) take place in coastal areas. Creation of micro-level database that facilitate better management and administration of coastal areas has become routine practice. Use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were found to be effective in preparing, maintaining and updating of databases and carrying out analysis related to natural resource management. The present paper deals with creation of micro level geodatabase particularly with reference to understanding the physiography, drainage and delineation of mico-watershed basins using the RS-G1S technology for watershed management. Salcete Taluka represents a typical dissected dendritic pattern of drainage network with low lying flat terrain in the west and hilly terrain towards the East. Beautiful beach stretches and elongated dunes in the coastal stretch and tidal mud flats are observed in the western part of the study area while hilly regions with elevation values of 350mts are observed towards the interior on the eastern side of the area. Despite heavy rainfall in the study area the observed soil erosion is moderate. In all 35 sub-watershed basins bave been delineated with the total area is 102 sq.km.