Geomorphic Assessment and Mapping of Gullied Landscapes in the Eastern Margin of Thar Desert Using GIS and Remote Sensing

Abstract

Gullies are typical erosional forms in semi-arid and arid landscapes all over the world. These are linked either with soil/sediment erosion or as the most important sources of sediment. The eastern margin of Thar Desert in India is a part of arid Rajasthan and is roughly co-terminus with the Aravalli hill ranges, representing a comparatively wetter part of Thar Desert with an average annual rainfall of approximately 400 mm. Alongwith favourable topography, slope and soil characteristics, the high intensity rainfalls generate surface run-off cutting through the terrain to form fine network of rills and gullies in the piedmont region of Aravalli hills. Such processes of erosion have significant bearing on the water and sedimentation of vast alluvial plains in this region. In the paper, the eight gullied landscapes occurring on alluvial plains and sand dunes have been studied with respect to their distribution, types and morphological variation so as to understand their impact on the overall aspect of water erosion. Indian Cartographer