Open AccessFluvial hydrology and geomorphology of Monsoon-dominated Indian rivers
Author(s) -
Vivek Kale
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
revista brasileira de geomorfologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 2236-5664
pISSN - 1519-1540
DOI - 10.20502/rbg.v6i1.39
Subject(s) - fluvial , monsoon , hydrology (agriculture) , drainage basin , structural basin , sediment , geology , sediment transport , channel (broadcasting) , physical geography , geomorphology , geography , oceanography , cartography , geotechnical engineering , engineering , electrical engineering
The Indian rivers are dominantly monsoon rainfed. As a result, their regime characteristics are dictated by the
spatio-temporal variations in the monsoon rainfall. Although the rivers carry out most of the geomorphic work
during 4-5 months of the monsoon season, the nature and magnitude of response to variations in the discharge and
sediment load varies with the basin size and relief characteristics. Large monsoon floods play a role of great
importance on all the rivers. This paper describes the hydrological and geomorphological characteristics of the
two major fluvial systems of the Indian region, namely the Himalayan fluvial system and the Peninsular fluvial
system. Large number of studies published so far indicate that there are noteworthy differences between the two
river systems, with respect to river hydrology, channel morphology, sediment load and behaviour. The nature of
alterations in the fluvial system due to increased human interference is also briefly mentioned. This short review
demonstrates that there is immense variety of rivers in India. This makes India one of the best places to study
rivers and their forms and processes.