Geo-Morphological Assessment in the Upper Reaches of Krishna River (India) Using Multi-temporal Satellite Data During 1991–2021

Abstract

Rivers have historically served as the birthplace of human civilization. The study of channel planform and geo-morphological characteristics is of utmost importance in investigating the effects of climate change and alterations in land use on the overall well-being of rivers. This study examines the temporal variations in the geo-morphological characteristics of the upper reaches of Krishna River during three decades (1991–2021). Spatial data is obtained from several satellite missions and afterward processed using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess alterations in the active river channel's extent, erosion, and accretion areas and the sinuosity index. The river channel has been segmented into seven sub-reaches, and it has been observed that some sections of the bank line require prompt attention from the relevant authorities to carry out bank protection measures. The findings indicate that the left bank exhibits a greater tendency towards erosion and shifting compared to the right bank. Additionally, the river has undergone geo-morphological alterations due to the construction of hydraulic structures and the occurrence of numerous flood events within the basin. The sinuosity index of the river provides evidence of its meandering nature. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of the Upper Krishna River, hence providing useful information for authorities and decision-makers involved in river training initiatives and future development projects. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.