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5 Hydrogeomorphology of the study area
Based on the satellite imageries of merged IRS of 1C and ID of LISS III (2001)
plus PAN data (2001) and topographic maps, different hydrogeomorphic units of the
study area have been mapped and are shown in the Fig. 5.1 The different
hydrogeomorphic units have been classified as Linear Ridge (LR), Residual hills (RH),
Inselberg (I), Pediment inselberg complex (PIC), Pediments (P), Shallow weathered
pediplains (PPS), Moderately weathered pediplains (PPM) and Valley fills (V). Based
on Lillesand and Kiefer (2002), the standard visual interpretation methods have been
adopted for this classification. The basic interpretation keys like specific tone,
texture, size, shape and association have been used. In the False Colour Composite
(FCC) of bands 2 3 4, denudational hills and residual hills exhibit dark green colour,
inselberg and pediment inselberg complex show dark green to grey, pediments
exhibit grey to medium grey, shallow weathered pediplains show light green and
moderately weathered pediplains and valley fills show light red to dark red colours.
5.5.1 Residual hills
These hills are formed as a result of complex erosional processes
predominantly by erosion, circum dedundation, weathering and mass wasting (Plate
5.2). The dip of strata controls the rate of denudation process in these structural hills
(Sreedevi et al., 2004).
Residual hills are the end products of the process of pediplanation, which
reduces the original mountain masses into a series of scattered knolls standing on
the pediplains (Thornbury, 1990). Residual hills (Fig. 5.1) as isolated hillocks with
moderate steep to very steep slopes forming low relief formed due to differential
erosion. The groundwater potential is very poor to poor and acts as runoff zone.
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Plate 5.1: Satellite Image of Hunsur Taluk
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Plate 5.2: Residual hill near Omkareshwara betta
Plate 5.3: Ayyapa Swami temple in Hunsur town on a linear ridge
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Plate 5.44: Linear ridge adjacent to the Uddur Canal
5.5.2 Linear Ridge
Linear ridges are generally, long intrusive features and are emplaces within
the pre‐existing fractures or where the fluid pressure is greater enough for them to
form their own fracture during emplacements. Geologically the linear ridges/dykes
are made up of pyroxene Granulite, Amphibolite, Dolerites and Charnokites. Linear
ridges mainly the runoff zones and prospects are very poor. General trend of linear
ridges are seen in NW‐SE direction. A curvy –linear ridge, (where Ohmkareshwar
temple is seen) is at the western side of Ramanahalli village and its 851 m height and
4 km long (Plate 5.3). Other linear ridges are located on south eastern side of the
study area are of less height but more elongated (Plate 5.4). Linear ridges are mainly
run‐off zones and the prospects are very low.
5.5.3 Pediment Inselberg Complex
This complex consists of small isolated island like hills standing out
prominently in a domal form because of their resistance to weathering. The
pediments dotted with a number of inselbergs which cannot be separated and
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mapped as individual units are referred to as Pediment Inselberg Complex having
moderate to strong slope On FCC, these features look as dark green to green in
colour with course to medium texture. These are seen mainly in the North eastern
part of the study area and also as small patches in the North western part. From the
groundwater point of view, these units are poor to moderate and contribute for
limited to moderate recharge.
5.5.4 Pediment
Pediment is a broad and gently sloping rock erosion surface of low relief
extending from the periphery of the debris slope of the hill, until it meets the next
geomorphic unit (Plate 5.5). It is a clear cut rock surface with or without soil cover,
which normally encircles a hill. The low moisture content of this unit gives a bright
signature on the imagery, especially around the hill. Pediments are found in the
study area mainly in the northern and western part. Usually these pediments do not
favour much infiltration and they form run‐off and recharge zones with poor to
moderate groundwater prospects along favourable structural features like fractures
and lineaments.
5.5.5 Shallow Weathered Pediplains
These are areas of gentle sloping, and are characterized by high porosity,
permeability and infiltration. They are seen in the eastern, western and southern
part of the study area.
5.5.6 Moderately Weathered Pediplains
These weathered zones are covered with more vegetation (Plate 5.6). The
thickness of the weathered zones ranges from 20–25 m as observed in the casing
provided to borewells. On the FCC, they exhibit light red to dark red and fine texture.
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Plate 5.5: Pediment near Kalakunike and Naganaham
Plate 5.6: Pediplain near Madapura village
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