Frontiers of Earth Science Research

Mapping and Integration of Geological, Geomorphological Landforms of Mysore

District, Karnataka, India, using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Basavarajappa.H.T., Balasubramanian. A, Pushpavathi.K.N, and Manjunatha.M.C

Department of studies in Earth Science, University of Mysore, Mysore-570006
Email: basavarajappaht@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Geological and Geomorphological mapping was carried out in Mysore district, Karnataka
through visual interpretation of IRS-1C, PAN+LISS-III false color composite. Various litho units
such as Charnockites, granites and gneisses, schist’s of Archaeans age were mapped. The study
area is traversed by 3 sets of joints-trending in N-S, NE-SW and E-W direction. There are 4 sets
of lineaments in the study area trending in NNE-SSW, NNW-SSE, NE-SW & E-W. It was
suggested that the study area was subjected to F1, F2, and F3 Sargur type of structure and
deformational folds and joints formation in the past. Major geomorphic units delineated are Hills,
Plataea, Piedmont zone, Plain, Reservoirs, River/stream and settlements. Different land forms
under each geomorphic unit are also mapped.

Keywords: Mysore, Geology, Remote Sensing, Geomorphology, GIS.

Introduction: The satellites imageries are Location and accessibility: The Mysore
useful in reconnoiter assessment of district is located between the longitude 750
geomorphic and geological features. The 59’- 790 05’ and North latitude 110 45’- 120
Remote Sensing technology with the field 40’. The total extent of the district is
work provides an edge to characterize the 6,854 km² of which 1,145 km2 is covered by
geomorphic aspects. The present paper forest. The district can be divided into 3
reviews the application of the remote physiographic regions. The North to eastern
sensing and GIS tools in the application of portion is riverine plains of Cauvery
geomorphology. Remote sensing which is, including South easterly flowing Kabini
primarily based on principles of physics, is river which is conflict at TirumalaKudu
the science and art of acquiring information Narasipura. Secondly middle of the district
about an object or phenomena without with gentle slopes towards eastern side parts
physically coming in contact with it (Rao, of Hunsur, Heggadadevana Kote,
2002). Several aspects of geomorphology Krishnaraja Nagara, Nanjungud and Mysore
are embedded in geological processes showing gentle slope and plains with
certain natural processes are responsible for cultivated of seasonal crops like both
the land forms of the surface of the earth. irrigated and dry seasonal crops. The other
The geology of the study area has been portion of the district is belonging to
studied by various workers (Peucat et al., Western Ghats that is parts of Hunsur and
1993; Srikantappa et al., 1992; Piriyapatna with thick natural forest.
Basavarajappa 1992; Janardhan et al., 1994;
Mahabaleswar et al., 1995; Sathsih, 1998). Climate and rainfall: The city temperature
The earlier studies were under taken in the varies from 16˚C to 27˚C in winter and 27˚C
study area in a conventional method. The to 35˚C in hot summer. The average annual
present study was undertaken to investigate rainfall is about 800 mm. The summer
geology and geomorphology of Mysore season is from March to June, followed by
district using remote sensing and the monsoon season from July to
conventional data. The district is two major (Basavarajappa et. al. 2012 in press)
rivers flowing, however it is drained by November and the winter season from
Kabini and Nugu, which are the tributaries December to February.
of Cauvery river.

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Fig.1. Location map of the study area

Vegetation and native vegetation: The Geomorphology: Among the districts in

Western parts of the district along the hill Karnataka, Mysore district represents almost
ranges evergreen forests are noticed. The all types of variation in the topography. This
forest areas are identified on the imagery thematic layer is digitized using satellite
based in red color due to high chlorophyll image IRS-1C of LISS-III data and
content. The rock exposures/ stony waste are toposheets of the district as base map and
formed by their own their texture. Trees like with the help of ArcGIS, software. By
Teak, Honne, Rosewood, and Eucalyptus are ground truth check and base map available
existing. The other parts of the district neam, we can interpret the geomorphology of study
tamarind, mango jack are grown. The main area as; the district is classified the upland
crops like Sugarcane, Maize, Ragi, Pddy, areas. However the south-western parts of
Jowar, vegetables, Tea estates in Hunsur and the district falls under semi-malnad
Piriyapatna Taluks with natural thick forest category. The next geomorphological unit is
is estimated. older flow plains mainly in the H. D. Kote

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taluk and parts of Mysore district. Ridges tanks. The Mysore district is endowed with a
and valleys form the third important unit and number of perennial and non-perennial
are mainly restricted to the Nanjungud and rivers the major with an elevation of 3150 m
H. D. Kote taluk and north western part of above MSL falls in the area. The Hekkan
Mysore district. Flat valleys are not very betta (3724m above MSL) of the drainage in
common except for isolated appearances. the district is cauvery (Pushpavathi-2009,
The general elevation in the district ranges Basavarajappa et.al-2009, Azadhe and
from 700-800 m above MSL except for the Basavarajappa et .al-2009) river which
denudational hills and ridges. However the traverse the Mysore plateau from North
H.D.Kote taluk in the southern parts of the West to East along drainage in the district is
district has higher elevation ranging from Cauvery river which traverse the Mysore
2200-3150 m above MSL. The Mullur betta plateau from North West to east along with
Naganpur reserved Forest, the Shigebetta the tributaries Kabini, Suvarnavathi, Nugu,
(3231 m above MSL) of the Bedrampadi Gundal and Laxmanthirtha. The Cauvery
reserved forest mark the water divide rises at Thalacauvery in Kodagu district and
making the southern boundary of H. D. Kote flows along the boundary of Piriyapatna
taluk and also of the district. The district taluk, K. R. Nagar taluk further flows into T.
shows various land forms like hills and Narasipur and Kollegal. Among the
plateaus, piedmont zone, plains, reservoir, tributaries kabini is the major tributary of
reservoir islands, river/stream etc Cauvery River that rises at waynad in
(Pushpavathi-2011, Basavarajappa et.al-
2008).

Drainage pattern: The identification of Kerala state, enters into the state at Siddapur
stream pattern in the study area is helpful in in Kodagu district then enters into the
identification and interpretation of many district at H.D. Kote taluk along with its
geological features. The drainage pattern of tributaries Gundalu hole, the Nugge hole
study area was digitized using satellite and small streams such as Taraka, vodehatti
image IRS-1C of LISS-III data and the hole and the Sarathi hole. The Kabini flows
toposheets as base map and by working with diagonally from south western part of the
ArcGIS software. Hence we can interpret district to north east before joining the
the drainage pattern of the district where the Cauvery River at T. Narasipur in north
map also shows the river and the extent of eastern part of the district. The drainage

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it is

classified lineaments. The direction of the

pattern of the Mysore district is order most lineaments in the study area is North-
dendritic type of first order to fourth river West or South-East direction also give rise
system. to lineaments. Lineaments are often apparent
in geological or topographic maps and can
Lithology: The lithology map of study area appear obvious on aerial or (Basavarajappa
was prepared using satellite imagery IRS-1D et. al-2008, 2012, 2009, Dinakar-2007).
and the toposheets as base maps using satellite photographs. The lineament map of
MapInfo software; hence we can interpret study area prepared using satellite image
the lithology of the study area as, the IRS-1D and toposheets with the help of
lithology of study area is largely of igneous MapInfo software.
and metamorphic rocks. The above thematic
layer clearly shows the different litho units Soil types: The soil map of study area was
that are indexed in the above thematic prepared using satellite imagery IRS- 1D of
map/layer. They are pink and grey granite, LISS-3 data and using toposheets as base
gneisses, meta-ultramafic, limestone and map by working with MapInfo software.
dolomite, granodiorite and granite, Using the above map we can interpret the
Charnockite, Chamundi granite, soil types of Mysore district. Reference to
amphibolites schist and hornblende schist. types of Mysore district. Reference to the
above map we can interpret that the soils of
Lineaments: A lineament is a linear feature the Mysore district is grouped into three
in a landscape which is an expression of an types viz., the red sandy soils, red loamy
underlying geological structure such as soils and deep black soils. Almost entire
a fault. Typically a lineament straight district is covered by red sandy soil except a
coastline or indeed a combination of these small parts of T.Narasipur taluk. The soils
features. Fracture zones, shear zones and are having high permeability and neutral
will comprise a fault-aligned valley, a series with a pH of 7. The thickness of the soil
of fault or fold-aligned hills, a igneous varies from less than a meter to 6 m. north-
intrusions such as dykes can the various eastern part of T. Narasipur taluk comprises
lineaments exist in study area into minor, of red loamy soil. It is characterized by
medium and major for interpretation where clayey content mixed with sand. It is less

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permeable compare to sandy soil. It is throughout the profile. These soils are fertile
having good moisture holding capacity and and generally produce good yields.
is fertile. The thickness varies from less than Adequate soil and water management
a meter to 16 m. deep black soils occur in practices and drainage facilities are essential
south- western part of T. Narasipur taluk in to obtain sustainable yields; otherwise
a small area. These soils are dark brown, salinity and water logging conditions may
dark grayish brown to very dark grey or develop. These soils need to be drained once
black in color. The texture is usually clayey in 3-5 years with good quality water. Hence

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the important soil types that are encountered software by overlapping the early prepared
in study area i.e. Mysore district are namely thematic layers. The layer generated and
clay, clay mixed soil, clay skeletal soil, obtained in the printable for further
loamy soil, loamy skeletal soil, rocky land interpretation. By incorporating all the
soil. information obtained from the above layer is
utilized and further we proceed for the
Land Use/Land Cover: To study the land identification of locations of sand deposits
use/ land cover system of study area we This map helps in the identification of
have to prepare a thematic map where the location of sand deposits in study area. The
land use/land cover of study area was array of information available on land
digitized using satellite image IRS-1C of use/land cover requires be arranging or
LISS-3 data and using toposheets as base grouping under a suitable framework to
map and with the help of MapInfo software. facilitated systematic land use inventory and
Hence using this thematic map we can mapping to accommodate the changes in
interpret the land use/ land cover system of their patterns. Land use refers to mans
study area. The district covers total activities and the various uses which are
geographical area of 6, 76,382 hectares of carried on land. Land cover refers to natural
which 62,851 hectares constitutes the forest vegetation i.e. water bodies, rock/soil,
land. The net cultivable land is 4, 86,410 artificial cover and others resulting due to
hectares and of this 1, 14,010 hectares of land transformations. Although land use is
land is irrigated. The different land use/land generally inferred based on the cover, yet
cover units are indexed in the map as above. both the terms land use and land cover being
The map clearly shows about the closely related are interchangeable. To
combination of various thematic layers that accommodate the changing land use/ land
are prepared were integrated to get the final cover patterns, it becomes essential to
layout this layer includes drainage, develop a standardized classification system,
lineament, lithology, soil type, hence the land use/ land cover classification
geomorphology land use/land cover and systems include mainly built-up land,
district boundary. The above integration agricultural land, forest, wastelands, water
layer is also prepared using MapInfo bodies and others (Basavarajappa et al-

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2008).
which is deteriorating due to lack of
Built-up land: - It is defined as an area of appropriate water and soil management or
human habitation developed due to non- on account of natural causes. Wastelands
agricultural use and that which has a cover can result from inherent/imposed constraints
of buildings, transport, and communication, such as, by location, environment, chemical
utilities in association with water, vegetation and physical properties of the soil or
and vacant lands financial or management constraints. These
Agricultural land: - It is defined as the land wastelands include salt affected land,
primarily used for farming and for waterlogged land, swampy land, sandy area,
production of food, fiber, and other barren rock area etc.
commercial and horticultural crops. It Water bodies: - It is an area of impounded
includes land under corps (irrigated and un- water, area in extent and often with a
irrigated, fallow, plantations). regulated flow of water. It includes man-
Forest: - It is an area (within the notified made reservoirs /lakes /tanks/canals, besides
forest boundary) bearing an association natural lakes, rivers/streams and creeks.
predominantly of trees and other vegetation Others: - It includes all those which can be
types capable of producing timber and other treated as miscellaneous because of their
forest produce. This forest includes nature of occurrence, physical appearance
evergreen/ semi-evergreen forest, deciduous and other characteristics in the integrated
forest, degraded forest, forest plantation. thematic layer.
Wastelands: - It is described as degraded
land which can be brought under vegetative Conclusion: The study area is having 3 sets
cover with reasonable effort and which is of trending in N-S, NE-SW and E-W
currently under-utilized and land direction. The study area is characterized by

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the occurrences of pink and grey granite, water bodies, rock/soil, artificial cover and
gneisses, meta-ultramafites, limestone and others resulting due to land transformations.
dolomite, granodiorite and granite, The map clearly shows about the vegetation
Charnockite, Chamundi granite, cover in the district which is approximately
amphibolites schist and hornblende schist. 34.52% of total area and 3rd richest forest
The terrain is getting metamorphosed and wealth. Mysore as two types of forest they
highly deformed which are evident from the are moist deciduous and dry deciduous
presence of F1, F2, and F3 Sargur type of forest. The excellent Ground water potential
structure and deformational folds and joint zones are found either side of the major
formations in the past. The study area is lineaments such as Cauvery, Kabini, Nugu
endowed with a 3 number of perennial and area. The major portion of Southern part of
non-perennial rivers and the major drainage Mysore and Nanjungud are occupied by
in the district is Cauvery river which poor to moderate potential zones due to its
traverses the Mysore plateau from North piedoment zone topography. The good
West to east along with the tributaries prospect zones are enlighten nearly level to
Kabini, Suvarnavathi, Nugu, Gundal and very gentle slope with agricultural land in
Laxmanthirtha. The drainage pattern of the the parts of northern portion at the district
Mysore district is dendritic type of first area North of K.R.Nagar, Hunsur, South of
order to fourth order river system. Piriyapatna, North of Mysore and
Lineaments are raised by fracture Nanjungud taluk falls under excellent, good,
zones, shear zones and igneous and moderate ground water prospect zones
intrusions such as dykes and are divided as respectively. The integration of Thematic
minor, medium and major lineaments. The map prepared from Remote Sensing and
lithology of the study area is largely of collateral data using GIS yields more
igneous and metamorphic rocks. The soils of accurate results on all thematic layers.
the Mysore district can be grouped into red (Basavarajappa et. Al. -2008).
sandy soils, red loamy soils and deep black
soils and the encountered soil types are Acknowledgement
Clay, clay mixed soil, clay skeletal soil, The authors are indepthly acnowloged to
loamy soil, loamy skeletal soil, rocky land prof.S. Sathyanarayan and Prof.
soil. Land use refers to mans activities and B.Basavalingu,Chairman, DOS in Earth
the various uses which are carried on land. Science,University of Mysore, Mysore
Land cover refers to natural vegetation i.e.

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