Geo Morphology

CHAPTER-1.
INTRODUCTION
REMOTE SENSING is the science and art of obtaining information about

an object/area/phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device
that is not in contact with the object/area/phenomenon under investigation. The
remotely collected data can be of many forms like variations in Force
distributions, Acoustic-wave-distributions, Electro-magnetic energy distributions.
CHAPTER-2. INTRODUCTION TO GEOMORPHOLOGY
GEOMORPHOLOGY is the science of study of the landforms of the earth.
Remote Sensing observations from aerial and space platforms which are currently
in operation provide a synoptic view of terrain features in images which are
interpreted by thematic specialists. Geomorphologic mapping from satellite need
a thorough knowledge in Geomorphology.
Some of the typical landforms are:

i) Mountains
ii) Hills
iii) Plateaus
iv) Valley
v) Glaciers
vi) Desert
Features such as volcanoes, lakes, rivers, ridges are also part of landform features.
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CHAPTER-3. CONCEPTS OF GEOMORPHOLOGY
The earth’s surface forms are primarily due to hypogenous or endogenous

processes, which include diastrophism, leading to geologic structure, tectonic
activity and volcanism leading to volcanic landforms. These forms are modified by
epigene or exogenous processes, which include erosion and depositional activities
of water, wind and ice.
We are able to monitor the changing shape of Earth’s surface, assess the
processing occurring, and identify landforms in remote regions that might
otherwise be inaccessible.
Climate is also an important factor, which has relevance in shaping of Earth’s

surface because the processes that act upon the surface material are different in
different climatic zones. Hence climate has strong influence on vegetation which
in turn has relationship with landforms.
Time is another important factor that may preserve or destroy the natural
landform, because it controls the stage in sequence of processes leading to forms.
CHAPTER-4. APPLICATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING IN

GEOMORPHOLOGY
The simplest application is that we can take a remotely sensed image of Earth’s
surface and interpret what we see to produce a geomorphologic map. Using this
we can map regions rapidly which might otherwise take many weeks of manual
exploration and cartography.
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a) It is known that the reflected or emitted radiations from the spectrum are
recorded by sensors. Among them are aerial cameras which employ a film
for recording in visible and near infrared regions.
b) Data from visible, near infrared and other optical windows are recorded by
multispectral scanners. Thermal scanner records thermal radiation.
c) Active microwave sensors (SLAR or SAR) record data from microwave
region of spectrum and have the advantage of recording day and night as
well as through clouds.
d) For continental-scale features such as mountain ranges sensors with a
coarser resolution is used and for smaller scale features, higher spatial
resolution sensors is necessary.
e) Added LiDAR gives the best resolution up to cm grade, while RADAR gives
10m grade because of its high sensitivity to small scale roughness.
f) Other applications of Geomorphology are Land use planning, Land
management, Resource development planning, and project planning as
well as natural hazards policy.
g) Aside from actual images of the surface, remote sensing also has the
geomorphological application of being able to provide three-dimensional
representations of the surface in the production of digital elevation models.
Thus technologically it is possible to record terrain information by various

sensors.
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CHAPTER-5. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING
Geomorphological mapping is regarded as a fundamental technique of

the discipline producing valuable base data and also acts as a preliminary tool for
land management and geomorphological risk management, as well as providing
baseline data for other applied sectors of environmental research such as
landscape ecology, forestry or soil science.
i. The first geomorphological map was prepared in 1914; however a formal

mapping system was designed only during 1950’s.
ii. A geomorphological map must give information about morphology
(appearance), morphometry (dimensions and slope values), morphogen
(origin/genesis) and morphochronology (the age) of each form.
The most comprehensive geomorphological survey method resulted in

three types of maps:
1. Analytical map - This map serves as a basis for applied

geomorphological mapping.
2. Synthetic map - These maps in addition to four levels of terrain
mapping units also contain additional environmental information.
From this map we observe data regarding soils, hydrology,
vegetation/ land cover and topography. These data are presented in
tables or GIS can be used.
3. Pragmatic map - Some of the examples of this map includes mapping
on flood hazard zoning, mountain hazard zoning, earthquake and
volcanic hazard zoning, cyclone hazard zoning.
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CHAPTER-6. UTILITIES OF GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING
a) To provide a precise picture of the dynamics of the relief.

b) Facilitate the search for connections between landforms.
c) Enable regionalization and facilitate the development of comparative
studies.
d) These maps are of great value in Environmental management. One of the
important utility of these maps are we can observe Geomorphic hazards -
(landslides, floods, drought, soil erosion, avalanches, volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes, etc.), also analyze their vulnerability and risk.
e) It is possible in future that using these maps we would be able to predict
the occurrence of these hazards, apart from just analyzing their after
effects.
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A GEOMORPHIC UNITS MAP-NEW SOUTH WALES
Fig-1- a geomorphic units map- New South Wales (units are

defined in legends)
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STRUCTURAL-GEOLOGY-AND-GEOMORPHOLOGY-THROUGH-REMOTE
SENSING
Fig-2- Geomorphic map of study area
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 Geomorphic units are defined by combinations of tone and texture.
 Identification of mountains, terraces, or sand dunes can be made by
combination of shape, tone, texture and location.
 Most of the boundaries are sharply defined by changes in tone.
 Terraces and edges of some alluvial fans are also definable by tonal
changes.
CONCLUSION
Remote Sensing from aerial photography to satellite imagery

constitutes a powerful tool for improving accuracy and precision of
extensive large scale geomorphological surveys, making it possible to
investigate previously untestable ideas. Remote Sensing is transforming
geomorphology into a more global science.
Remote Sensing techniques provide evidence such as observed
lineament, global scale mountain distribution seismicity and volcanic
activities to support geodynamics studies. Hence Remote Sensing
makes collection of even minute detail of geomorphological data
possible.
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REFERENCES
 Lille sand, Kiefer and Chip man. Remote sensing and Image interpretation.
Chapter-1 & 4.
 International journal of applied earth observation and Geoinformation,
Volume 3, Issue 1, (2001).
 Rao, D. (2002). Remote Sensing application in geomorphology. Tropical
Ecology 43, 49-59.
 Smith, M. and pain, C. (2006). Applications of remote sensing in
geomorphology. Progress in Physical Geography, 33, 568-582.

Geo Morphology

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CHAPTER-1.

REMOTE SENSING is the science and art of obtaining information about

CHAPTER-2. INTRODUCTION TO GEOMORPHOLOGY

GEOMORPHOLOGY is the science of study of the landforms of the earth.

Some of the typical landforms are:

The earth’s surface forms are primarily due to hypogenous or endogenous

Climate is also an important factor, which has relevance in shaping of Earth’s

CHAPTER-4. APPLICATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING IN

Thus technologically it is possible to record terrain information by various

Geomorphological mapping is regarded as a fundamental technique of

i. The first geomorphological map was prepared in 1914; however a formal

The most comprehensive geomorphological survey method resulted in

1. Analytical map - This map serves as a basis for applied

a) To provide a precise picture of the dynamics of the relief.

Fig-1- a geomorphic units map- New South Wales (units are

Fig-2- Geomorphic map of study area

Remote Sensing from aerial photography to satellite imagery

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