Integrated Morphometric and Correlationbased Assessment of the Kandar River Basin Using Geospatial Techniques: A Small Tributary of River Ajay, West Bengal.

In Geomorphology, the term ‘Morphometry’ refers to the quantitative measurement and analysis of forms of the Earth’s surface. It is a key branch of Geography that measures the shape, dimensions and geometry of landforms. Morphometric techniques are very useful in understanding the geomorphological, geological and hydrological features of a drainage basin. Important information about the flood potential of a drainage basin can be obtained using these quantitative morphometric techniques. By applying mathematical, statistical and geospatial methods, it provides a scientific basis for interpreting landform processes and supports environmental management, hazard assessment and resource planning. To determine the geomorphic structure and hydrological behaviour of the Kandar Watershed or River basin as a tributary of the Ajay River in the eastern Indian side, this study will focus on the linear, areal, and relief of the drainage basin. The basin spans through Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman and Murshidabad districts and is typified by low gradient alluvial plains, which often suffer seasonal flooding and waterlogging. A GIS environment processes the DEM data and topographic maps with the help of spatial hydrological methods of drainage extraction and basin delineation. To explore the correlation between variables and their joint effects on basin behaviour, a group of morphometric parameters describing flow hierarchy, shape of the drainage basin, drainage texture, drainage relief features, as well as surface dissection, was computed. Statistical correlation was used to analyse this. The results indicate a highly extended geometry of the drainage basin with low structural complexity, with mild slopes, which implies moderate concentration of runoff and high susceptibility to the extended stagnation of surface water in case of heavy monsoon rain. The study suggests that digital geomorphometry is a valuable decision-support tool for identifying susceptibility to floods, watershed prioritisation, and sustainable management of river basins in alluvial subtropical landscapes.