Differential effect of neotectonic process on stream characteristics: a geomorphologic evaluation of the Meenachil River Basin, Kerala, India

Abstract

Morphotectonic characteristics of the Meenachil River and its major tributaries in Kerala, India, were evaluated to understand the effects of tectonic processes on stream characteristics. Parameters such as longitudinal profile, stream length-gradient index (SL index), SL anomaly index, and transverse topographic symmetry factor (T) were considered. Longitudinal profiles of all the rivers show convexity and knickpoints in the segments between the headwaters and middle reaches, and further follow smooth profiles. Anomalies in longitudinal profiles were confirmed by the relatively high SL indexes. The SL anomaly index categorizes stream segments based on the severity of anomalies. The T index indicates the differential effect of tectonic processes in the river basin and in channel characteristics by showing spatial variation in its magnitude and orientation. Variations in the SL index, SL anomaly index, and T index in rivers flowing through similar lithology confirm the influence of differential effects of tectonic processes over the stream and networks and the nonequilibrium condition of the Meenachil River basin as a single unit.