Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
surface rock layers, were done by simple instruments, maps and imageries
(clinometer, abney
s level, GPS, SOI Topographical Map and LISS III Imageries)
and their photographs during the
'
field work helped a lot for studying and analyzing
the topography and for preparing the various morphometric maps of the Shivkhola
Watershed.
2.2.1 Analysis of Contour Orientation
Shiv-khola watershed spreads over a region with varied relief character. Being the
hilly drainage system, it possesses a saucer shape having steeper slope almost
everywhere except at few localized section at the mid-central and lower part. The
contour map prepared in consultation with SOI Topographical Map (No78B/5) and
Satellite Imagery (LISS-III, 2003) shows a wide range (1,740 m) of altitude
between 2,040 and 300 m. The central middle portion and extreme right part
(confluence with the mighty Mahanadi) show the gentle slope. The other parts
depict steeper slope through closer contour spacing. The orientation of contours is
depicted in the Fig. 2.2 . The valleys and the spurs in between those set
the
remarkable character of the study area. The long pro
le along the main river, the
Shiv-khola, shows a waxing (convex summit) slope at the source region followed
down slope by a steep section near Paglajhora area and then by a gentle middle and
lower segment. The Hill Cart Road has to cross twice this steep section to harness
the facility along-contour extension.
This steeper (almost vertical) slope is more than 500 m high and extends over
2 km length along Hill Cart Road. After this steeper part the Shivakhola river
develops the gentle slope along the river and develops cut-and-
ll terrace being
incapable of clearing all the dislodged material sliding down from steeper upslope.
After emerging at this stage river becomes sluggish and shows some spectacular
meandering on erosional slope which is quite unusual for a hill stream of such
shorter length. The wider valley floor (former) is mainly occupied by the Shivitar
Tea Estate and mostly covered with Tea Plants. The newly cut valley under this
former one is rather steeper and prone to slide along its entire length. After crossing
this, the river has to pass through the constricted valley between Tindharia Tea
Garden and Shivitar Tea Garden. Some flat land is again developed at the junction
with the mighty Mahanadi due to combined erosional effects of the Mahanadi and
the Shiv-khola. The upper catchment of the basin towards the water divide shows
gradual steepness and more dissection and ef
ciency in drainage. More tributaries
of lower orders are developed at the upper catchment due to swift drainage. Greater
rate of release of kinetic energy from potential is responsible for the dissection of
slope at the upper section. The land uses mainly the Hill Cart Road and North
Eastern Frontier Rail line (0.61 m gauge) are absolutely guided by the relief.
Almost at every part these run parallel to the contour running along the basin
boundary. Surprisingly Transport links crosses the main stream through the steepest
section of the basin at Upper and Lower Paglajhora section.
 
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