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Active surface deformation, displacement pattern, and erosional variability is estimated using the geomorphologically sensitive morphometry along with the Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR) technique using the Sentinel-1Adata (119 images) acquired between 07- 02-2017 and 10-02-2021. The average velocities for this dataset are estimated to be between ±11 mm/y. The Raunthi River catchment from where the flood was triggered is undergoing ~8 mm/y subsidence and ~10 mm/y uplift. Compared to this the basin wide deformation (Rishi Ganga basin) is estimated to be around ±10 mm/y with commulative ground displacement of around ±45 mm. The times series analysis suggests an increase in the ground displacement by around 5 mm/y and seems to be responsible for the expansion of pre-existing cracks in the vicinity of the Vaikrita Thrust (VT) and subsequent failure of the northern face of Nandi Peak on 7th February 2021. The Global Positioning System (GPS) derived strain distribution pattern indicate a relatively higher accumulation of strain (>0.35µ strain/y). The normalized steepness index (ksn) variation along the longitudinal section of Rishi Ganga and Raunthi River sub-basin in Central Himalayan region shows anomalous increase at the glacio-fluvial transitional processes. Moreover, the χ profiles as well as planform plots shows anomalously lower values within the Raunthi River sub-basin when compared with the Rishi Ganga basin. Based on the lower values of χ it is observed that Raunthi River sub-basin is undergoing high erosion which can be caused by the presence of sheared lithology and incision of the relict glacial and paraglacial sediments. We negate the suggestion that abrupt rise in the temperature was the major triggering mechanism for the recent disaster, instead it is the sheared lithology and pre-existing fissure developed because of differential uplift and subsidence in Raunthi River that led to the wedge failure and subsequent flash flood. Had the climate was the major driver of the recent tragedy ?, it should have impacted multiple hanging glaciers in the Rishi Ganga valley. Therefore, the study calls for detailed geomorphological, structural and glaciological investigation in regions dominated by glacial and paraglacial processes in the strategic regions of the Himalaya. Towards this, the state of art PSInSAR technique seems to provide fast and reliable detection of terrain instability/stability along with identification of potential areas of slope failures in near future in the glacial and preglacial zones.

The present study describes the active tectonic features of the eastern segment of the South Wagad Fault Zone (SWFZ) of the Kachchh Rift Basin (KRB). The SWFZ defines the southern margin of the Wagad uplift with a series of small domes and anticlines forming a low hill range. Geomorphologically, the SWFZ is expressed by the presence of the South Wagad Hill range to the north and the south sloping Samkhiyali and Lakadia plains to the south. The easternmost part of the SWFZ consists of domes and anticlines having a rugged topography, which comprises of Mesozoic to Neogene rocks and is practically unexplored as far as their active tectonic characterizations are concerned. The geomorphic expression of the SWFZ in the eastern segment consists of the Gagodar, Kanmer, Guan and Mardak domes and anticlines. They are exposed as a series of linear mounts projected amidst the Little Rann of Kachchh and surrounded by the alluvial sediments of easterly flowing rivers as well as the Rann sediments. The active nature of the eastern SWFZ is portrayed by warping, flexuring, alluvial fans, tilted Quaternary deposits, scarps, gullied surfaces, slickensides and knickpoints. Presence of wave cut cliff and notches at Mardak Bet suggests that the eastern segment of SWFZ is marginally uplifted during Middle to Late Holocene period. We provided a detailed morphotectonic map of the eastern segment of SWFZ, which can be used for future infrastructural development, town planning and seismic hazard assessment in the region. Further, the study suggests that the seismically silent eastern segment of the active SWFZ is capable of generating a large magnitude earthquake similar to the 2001 Bhuj earthquake or the 1819 Allah Bund earthquake in the future, owing to long-term stress accumulation.

The intraplate Kachchh Rift basin has been hit by several devastating earthquakes in the historic past including the 1819 Allah Bund Earthquake and the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. The source region of these earthquakes, within the basin have been studied by several workers in the last two decades to understand their potential for earthquake recurrence. However, very little information is available on the palaeoseismic and geomorphic characterization of Kachchh Mainland Fault (KMF). Therefore, in the present study, six trenches were excavated across the KMF, between Lakhpat and Nirona to understand ground deformation pattern and timing of the historic earthquakes. Based on geomorphic and palaeoseismic investigations, five palaeoearthquakes of Early to Late Holocene have been identified between 10,000–890 yrs. Apart from the Holocene, an earthquake of Late Quaternary period was also identified, which possibly occurred around 19,800 yrs BP. Fault related parameters were analyzed to understand the geometry of the active fault scarp along KMF. The results of the analyzed fault geometric parameters show that the vertical displacement along the KMF is higher than the horizontal displacement. The slip rate of the KMF from the western portion to the middle portion decreases from 0.08 to 0.04 mm/yr, and increases towards east from 0.22 mm/yr to 0.36 mm/yr. As the Kachchh district of the Gujarat state is rapidly developing in terms of infrastructural development, the outcome of this research might provide significant inputs for micro zonation studies and also in the evaluation of the seismic hazard in the Kachchh region.

In this paper, we elucidated deformational and kinematic characteristics of the NW-SE trending Vigodi Fault (VF) and its associated subsidiary faults in the western Kachchh basin. We applied paleostress inversion technique to understand the past stress regime from the acquired fault slip data. The subsidiary faults strike NW-SE and NE-SW and slickensided surfaces are well developed on the Fault planes. We present slip analysis and changes in the stress reorientation using the plane solutions to identify the principal stress axis (σ1) position regionally. To obtain Pressure Tension and Null axis (PBT), stress ratio, and principal (σ1) axis we used the right Dihedron Method using the Win-Tensor and T-Tecto software's respectively. Geomorphologically, the VF zone comprises of bedrock strath terraces towards the upthrown block and fill terraces on the downthrown block of the fault. Development of fault scarps, warped Quaternary sediments, slit canyons within Quaternary sediments, river nick-points, and deflected rivers are the major striking features observed along the strike length of the Vigodi Fault. The analyses indicate that NE-SW compressional stress dominates the regional area and the local area is affected by transpressional stress exhibiting oblique slip motion. The combined observations made from the present investigation can be used to estimate seismic hazard and mitigation planning of the study area.

Water is one of the most basic entities, especially in semiarid regions where low precipitation and limited surface water resources bring more emphasis on the use of groundwater leading to endangering and overexploitation. Therefore, quantity with monitoring of groundwater quality at regular intervals becomes of utmost importance for understanding its suitability for drinking and irrigation. This study aims in understanding spatial variations and their trend in terms of quality over a decade (2010–2020) using different hydrochemical parameters in the vicinity of the coastal tracts of the Mundra block. Samples were analyzed for TDS, pH, EC, TH, major cations, and anions. Drinking suitability was identified by correlating parameters with WHO, BIS standards and by preparing WQI maps. Irrigational suitability was found by SAR, RSC, KI, Na %, MH, and PI. Reduced water level (RWL) values represented a further increase in the reversal flow of groundwater in a decade leading to an increment in salinity and seawater intrusion. The study area in most of the analysis is possessing much higher values above safer limits when compared to 2010 and 2020, making the water very much unacceptable for drinking and irrigation. The major cause in the area is overexploitation and unconditional deeper drilling, resulting in an increase in coastal salinity and seawater intrusion. The use of such water tends to harm agriculture, soil condition as well as human health.

The study evaluates the impacts of India’s COVID-19 lockdown and unlocking periods on the country’s ambient air quality. India experienced three strictly enforced lockdowns followed by unlocking periods where economic and social restrictions were gradually lifted. We have examined the in situ and satellite data of NO2 emissions for several Indian cities to assess the impacts of the lockdowns in India. Additionally, we analyzed NO2 data acquired from the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI sensor over a few districts of the Punjab state, as well as the National Capital Region. The comparisons between the in situ and satellite NO2 emissions were performed for the years 2019, 2020 and up to July 2021. Further analysis was conducted on the satellite data to map the NO2 emissions over India during March to July for the years of 2019, 2020 and 2021. Based on the in situ and satellite observations, we observed that the NO2 emissions significantly decreased by 45–55% in the first wave and 30% in the second wave, especially over the Northern Indian cities during the lockdown periods. The improved air quality over India is indicative of reduced pollution in the atmosphere due to the lockdown process, which slowed down the industrial and commercial activities, including the migration of humans from one place to another. Overall, the present study contributes to the understanding of the trends of the ambient air quality over large geographical areas using the Sentinel-5P satellite data and provides valuable information for regulatory bodies to design a better decision support system to improve air quality.

Torrential rains, landslides, and seismic activity are the common factors that are causing unprecedented damage to life, property and infrastructure in Mandakini and Bhilangana basins of Garhwal Himalaya. Owing to such conditions, we demonstrate the feedback this landscape in Garhwal Himalaya in response to episodic tectonic uplift and monsoon precipitation. We calculated conventional geomorphic parameters to access the tectonic deformation across the major thrusts and faults. We further analyzed the normalized steepness index (Ksn), Chi (χ), and knickpoints along the longitudinal course of rivers. Additionally, the study attributed to active nature of Chail/Ramgarh thrust along the Balganga valley as envisaged by five levels of unpaired fluvial terraces, entrenched stream course, river ponding, active and stabilized landslide deposits, etc. Moreover, the flooding during the heavy rainfall events induced river toe cutting makes an effect on settlement over fluvial deposits. Therefore, we suggested that the highly dissected and tilted basins with deep V shaped valleys and ongoing seismicity also fabricates the region more vulnerable for hazards which threaten the human lives.

Formation of large-scale deformations in the upper part of the crust during Quaternary resulted in the opening of cracks on the rising/bulging landscape of the E-W trending Kachchh basin. The present study pertains to the development of a deep Khari bedrock gorge (an open crack) in the mainland region of Central Kachchh, western India. The length of the crack, the narrow bedrock gorge is 220 m and the maximum depth is 27.3 m. The estimated results show the maximum dip dimension 49.9 m and a minimum 3.1 m. The study shows that there is a regular and direct connection between the size (length) of crack openings and the rate of displacement. However, the controlling dimension of displacement and widening of the fracture depends on volumetric fluid flow, overpressure of fluid, the ratio of length-displacement/width, and an elastic limit of sandstone, the host rock. The controlling dimension of a crack is geometrically denoted by the strike and dip of a fracture. The volume of water flow, the volumetric rate on the horizontal bedrock surface, and the subsequent crack opening is directed by the fracture aperture. The opening of a crack within the contact of two surfaces may have a variable aperture corresponding to the rate of volumetric fluid flow over the crack. The statistical parameter shows that the young's modulus of sandstone is 6 MPa and the Poisson's ratio is 0.2 and the tensile strength 14 MPa of the fault zone. Our estimates show that the initial opening displacement of Khari gorge is ∼0.6–0.8 mm with an initial volumetric rate of fluid is 22 Qc indicates enhanced discharge. Further, it is noticed that the fluid passing through the crack caused its widening by 0.2 mm with a gradual decrease of volumetric fluid rate 3Qc through the cracks during the decline condition of fluid discharge. The empirical relation of fracture direction with time factor suggests that the initial stage of gorge formation took place around 125 ka (Late Pleistocene) ago during the effective climatic condition and continuous modification for shaping the gorge took place until around 8 ka (Holocene). After that, the modification through climate is completely ceased.

In the northwest Himalayan region, the ongoing out-of-sequence deformation caused emergence of Back Thrust (BT) around 43ka, which attributed the growth of anticlines parallel to the strike of major thrusts. This spatial and temporal geomorphic deformation is accompanied by coexisting river incision in the axial zone of anticlines and base-level fall along with upstream migration of knickpoints in the longitudinal river course. We used the Stream Power Incision model (SPIM) which relates the normalized steepness index (ksn), and concavity index (θref) with the slope (S) of longitudinal river profile as a power-law function of upstream area (A). and estimated these parameters for Beas, Soan, and Sutlej rivers to decipher the spatial distribution of deformation pattern. Using SRTM DEM and based on strike parallel variations of the ksn we identified segmented nature of the NW Himalayan thrusts. Further, the dynamics of river basins and transience along the tributaries and main stem rivers has been analyzed by Chi analysis (χ), which is attributed to geometric disequilibrium of the rivers. The results of ksn and χ analysis together suggests that the crustal shortening of NW Himalaya is caused by segmental reactivation of the thrusts. Further, investigating the change in steepness along longitudinal course aids in understanding the differential uplifts patterns in actively deforming segments of major NW Himalayan thrusts.

The focus of the present study is to estimate the active surface deformation/displacement affecting the landscape of the eastern Kachchh basin with a particular emphasis on the Wagad, Khadir Island, Bela Island, Chorar Island, and adjoining regions by implementing Differential Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technique using ENVISAT and SENTINEL-1A radar imagery. To evaluate the deformation pattern using DInSAR, we used ENVISAT-ASAR 2003 to 2005 and 2006 to 2009 data products and SENTINEL-1A data set of 2018–2020. The cumulative displacement of 0.2–0.3 cm for the period of 2003–2005 and 0.19–0.22 cm for the period of 2006–2009 has been observed for the South Wagad Fault region. Similarly, the results acquired from SENTINEL-1A data set revealed a cumulative displacement of 0.16–0.18 cm for the period of 2018–2020. The Island Belt Fault zone shows 0.27 cm displacement, while it is 0.10–0.17 cm for the Gedi Fault zone. The rate of deformation estimated from the present study is well corroborated with the existing results of GPS driven uplift rates. The combined results of DInSAR and GPS indicate that the northern part of the Wagad region is deforming much faster than the south Wagad region. The displacement detected to the east of the epicentral zone of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake indicates the presence of a zone of weaker structures, which may trigger a large magnitude earthquake in the future. Our estimated results of the short-term ground displacement are well corroborated with the existing geological information. This ground displacement is attributed to the tectonic subsidence towards the eastern part of the South Wagad Fault region and within the wide zone of the Island Belt Fault and Gedi Fault zones. The areas with a high amount of displacement have experienced continuous seismicity during the last two decades in the Eastern Kachchh region and might encounter moderate to high seismicity in the near future. The results also provide a better understanding of the active surface deformation pattern taking place in the seismically sensitive eastern Kachchh region.

In the present study, we have identified the tectonically active zones along the Island Belt Uplift (IBU), an upthrown block of E-W trending Island Belt Fault (IBF). Major and minor transverse faults have segmented the IBU into four sub-uplifts, viz. Pachham Uplift (PU), Khadir Uplift (KU), Bela Uplift (BU), and Chorar Uplift (CU) from west to east, respectively. The work includes geodetic and morphotectonic analysis of the IBU region. The Normalized Steepness Index (Ksn) analysis was performed supported by swath profiling to mark the tectonic activity variations along and across the strike of the IBF in the IBU region. Further, the Ksn contour map was prepared by using a power-law function of slope (S) of the longitudinal profiles of the river, concavity index (ө), and upstream area (A), which is an integral part of the Stream Power Incision Model (SPIM). The Ksn analysis suggests that the maximum amount of tectonic activity is restricted along the northern escarpment of the IBU, which falls in the vicinity of IBF and it's associated longitudinal and transverse faults. Based on the results of Ksn analysis, we have marked the tectonically active zones in the IBU region, which shows that amongst four sub-uplifts, the PU and BU were found most active (Zone-I), the KU expresses moderate activity (Zone-II), while CU demonstrated to be least active (Zone-III). The results were also confirmed by documentation of active tectono-geomorphic features like strath terraces, river offsets, straight fault scarps, triangular facets, linear valleys, fault ridges, Quaternary upwarps, laterally displaced crests and alluvial fans within the IBU. The active deformation pattern calculated using the Global Positioning System (GPS) data-set from 2009–2019 along IBU reveal maximum deformation rate of ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr in the PU, ∼2.0 ± 0.5 mm/yr in the BU while, the KU shows the deformation rate of ∼1.2 ± 0.5 mm/yr, which coincides well with the results of Ksn. The Ksn analysis results were also validated by comparing them with existing Gradient Length Anomaly (GLA) and Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data. The ongoing tectonic activity in the study area is also manifested by the occurrence of moderate seismic activities in the identified active zones. The active tectono-geomorphic features and fault scarp geometry were analyzed and compared with the existing experimental models of basement fault and overlying sedimentary covers, which allow us to understand the nature of fault components of IBF. The analysis reveals that the IBF has been influenced by both dip-slip and strike-slip fault components of motion, which can be further confirmed by geophysical analysis. The results of Ksn analysis and field evidence were merged to prepare Active Fault Map of the IBU region that can be implemented for future seismic hazard assessment.

The Narmada Son Lineament located in the middle part of the Indian plate is to be considered seismically active part and already experienced six moderate earthquakes in the last century. The geological studies summarize that the reactivation of existing faults of the paleo-rift are the main source of the tectonic deformation in this part. In the present study the PSInSAR technique with Sentinel 1A dataset, 2016–2019, is being applied for the measurement of deformation pattern of NSL. The derived results were collectively analyzed with the time-series dataset (2009–2019) of a GNSS site located in the study area. The results reveal association of very low amount of deformation along the Son Narmada Fault (SNF). The area towards south of the SNF portrays approximately 2.0 mm of annual Line of Sight (LoS) displacement, which we believe is significant for this region. The estimated deformation lies mainly along the Tapti North Fault (TNF) and Barwani Sukta Fault (BSF) and represented by the existence of a number of transverse faults in the area. The presence of seismic activity in this part justifies the area of maximum deformation accumulation.

Application of geomorphology in understanding tectonic processes in the active belts like the Himalaya is a well understood concept from the past decades. Identification of tectono-morphic features in a climatically induced and tectonically driven Himalayan system is the main focus of the present study. The parameters used in morphometric analysis i.e., Stream length gradient index (SL), steepness index (ks), and hypsometric curves (HC) are suitable in bringing immediate data for considering the tectono-climatic coupling within Soan Dun. This analysis further identified the potential zone of Holocene deformation which was additionally supported by field study along Soan Thrust (ST) in the northern margin of Soan Dun. The field study exemplifies the presence of fault scarps, triangular facets, transverse faults, V-shaped valley, and folded Quaternary sediments. These tectono-morphic features suffice the sole purpose of this study and signifies the Holocene crustal deformation in the frontal sub-Himalayan zone of Himachal segment.

In the present study, we assess seismic hazard potential and surface deformation pattern along and across the strike of major active faults in the intra-plate Kachchh Rift Basin (KRB). Towards this, we adopted river Gradient Length Anomaly (GLA) technique, which detects recent tectonic deformation along a river profile on local and regional scales. The major deviations along the river profile can be correlated with exogenic (erosion/sedimentation/anthropogenic) and endogenic (active tectonic movement) processes. We analysed 130 river profiles for GL anomalies, over an area of ~26,700 km2 in the KRB to identify possible locations that have undergone active tectonic deformation associated with the fault movement. The acquired results show that the higher magnitude negative GL anomalies (uplift) are observed proximal to the fault zones. Our estimates reveal that, around 13% of the study area falls under high tectonically active zone, around 27% of the area falls under moderately active zone, while 60% of the area shows very low or negligible tectonic activity. The estimated results of the GL anomalies are compared with the existing double-difference tomograms, to understand the role of subsurface fault dynamics on the GL anomalies. Furthermore, the results of GLA are correlated with the existing results of the peak ground acceleration (PGA) values of the basin, in order to obtain the precise information regarding surface deformation and site-specific ground acceleration for accurate assessment of seismic hazard.

The present work pertains to the stratigraphic evidences found during paleoseismic investigations on the trench walls opened across the Kachchh Mainland Fault (KMF). High-resolution satellite (CARTOSAT-1 DEM) data is used for mapping fault traces and carried out paleoseismic studies to identify paleo-earthquakes. We undertook geomorphological and paleoseismological investigations along the central segment of the KMF zone with the aim of estimating long-term slip rate and recurrence interval of strong earthquakes. Two N-S trenches were excavated across the E-W striking branches of the KMF, named as KMF-1 and KMF-2, revealing that the KMF is dipping towards the north. Detailed studies of the trench walls and optical dating of event horizons have confirmed four earthquakes occurred in the KMF zone between 5600 and 1000 years. The earthquake event I occurred between 5000 and 5500 years; event II occurred between 4000 and 4600 years. The event III occurred between 2000 and 2900 years, and the event IV occurred between 1023 and 1259 AD and 02 BC to 427 AD. Our studies further indicate that the central KMF zone is probably undergoing a quiescent period of ~ 1000 years accumulating the stress in the system to generate a large earthquake. The uplifted and truncated fluvial strath terrace deposits resulting from the Holocene displacements are preserved along the hanging wall block of the KMF. Dividing the elevation of the bedrock strath by their ages yields estimates of the vertical uplift rate of 0.37 to 1.48 mm/year of the hanging wall block of central KMF. With the help of displaced sedimentary units and optical ages, we estimated an average slip rate of 0.28 mm/year and uplift rate of 0.13 mm/year along KMF-1 over an interval of 1800–4000 years. However, the estimated slip rate along KMF-2 is 0.30 mm/year and the observed uplift rate is 0.17 mm/year. The results obtained from the trench investigations along the KMF not only help in understanding the dynamics of KMF but also aid seismic hazard evaluation in the Western Peninsular India.

The consequence of strain accumulation along various Himalayan thrusts is manifested in shaping the topography and present day lanscape features of the Himalaya. Consequently, the strain accomodation is attributed to the occurrence of various devastating earthquakes in the Himalayan domain including 1905 Kangra earthquake (Mw 7.8) which occurred along the Kangra valley fault. In the present study, we analyzed and estimatedsss fault related parameters, gradient-length anomaly (GLA) analysis together with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (In-SAR) measurements to understand the landscape evolution and deformation pattern within the Soan dun (piggy back basin) in the northwest Himalayan front. We combined the results of geodetic, geological, geomorphology and InSAR to constrain the uplift and subsidence between Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) and Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zones. The estimated results of fault parameters reveal that the horizontal shortening of northwest Himalaya is higher than the vertical uplift. The computed values of GLA magnitude analysis for the uplifted region vary from −9.21 to −0.77, whereas these range from 5.48 to 26.60 for the subsided region. The depicted range of vertical deformation observed from the InSAR measurements ranges from −3.13 to +3.14 mm/y, where the positive and negative value of phases are correlated with the ground uplift and subsidence. The rate of deformation observed from Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) phase velocity and GLA magnitude is positively supported by the chronologically constrained uplift rates as 3.4 ± 0.3 mm/y. The geomorphic evidences such as folded, tilted and truncated alluvial fan surfaces, offsetting of channels, fault scarps and displaced sedimentary sequences indicate active nature of the Soan dun. The study would be eventually useful for seismic hazard assessment and future infrastructure development in the seismotectonically active regions like Soan dun of NW Himalayan front.

Paleoseismic and archaeological records of the Kachchh Rift Basin (KRB) of western India indicates that the region become tectonically active during the period of Middle to Late Holocene. To understand the relationship between strain accumulation, earthquake genesis, and landform development, we analyzed uplifted Late Quaternary terraces and archaeological evidence along the Kachchh Mainland Fault (KMF) zone. Dividing the elevation of the bedrock strath at each site by their ages, yields vertical uplift rates of 0.29–1.17 mm/y for the KMF zones. Archaeological data from the excavation of the Kotada Bhadli site suggest that the site was occupied during the Late mature Harappan (2300-2500 BCE) period and abandoned around 1900 BCE. The ruins of Harappan civilization at Kotada Bhadli location are resting over the Middle Holocene fluvial sediments. The oldest fluvial sediment is dated to 4 ka, whereas the youngest sediment yielded an age of 3 ka. The chronological constraints in geomorphic and archaeological records suggest that the area was hit by an earthquake around 2200 BC (∼3.5ka). The geomorphic and chronologically constrained uplift rates reveal that the KMF zone of the intraplate region of the Kachchh is geodynamically controlled by several fault segments, which are consistent with the ambient tectonic stress field owing to the northward movement of the Indian Plate concerning the Eurasian Plate.

As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Kachchh region of the western peninsular India falls under seismically active region, where the faults experienced existence of several moderate to high magnitude earthquakes in the historic past. The present-day seismicity is mainly concentrated toward the eastern part of Kachchh Mainland Fault (KMF). Even though, the western segment of the KMF does not exhibit seismicity at present, but the tectono-geomorphology of this segment reveals various active geomorphic features which indicates its active nature. In this study, we are focusing on the distribution of neotectonic variability between the western segment of the KMF and the Vigodi Fault (VF), as the detailed geomorphometric studies is lacking in this region, believing that the area is not promising for such studies because the lack of seismicity. Therefore, we applied the conventional morphometric parameters to assess the neotectonic behaviour of the study area. The computed morphometric parameters had been grouped and mixed to create the Relative Index of Active Tectonics (RIAT), Furthermore, we used DInSAR results to estimate the active vertical displacement in between the fault zones which ranges from 0.15 to 0.28 cm. The results of each geomorphic indices indicates active deformation within the central portion of the western KMF and VF zone. This study would be certainly beneficial for seismic hazard assessment and future infrastructure planning of the region.

The morphotectonic elements of the Baijnath Klippe (BK) have been examined to understand the kinematics of the Inner Kumaun Lesser Himalaya from Tertiary to Late Quaternary. The BK is bounded by two thrusts: the Askot Thrust (AT), to the north and the Baijnath Thrust (BjT), to the south. The older (20 Ma) hanging wall rocks (mylonites and phyllites) are underlain and surrounded by quartzites (equivalent to Nagthat Formation of Outer Lesser Himalaya). The kinematics study and strain analysis along Dewal–Narayanbagarh transect provides the varied intensity of deformation (D1, D2, and D3) within the zone of BK. The D1 event is characterized by isoclinal tight folds in phyllite and mylonite; the D2 phase is characterized by open folding in mylonite. However, the youngest event D3 phase is observed as a regional synclinal folding of BK and associated rocks. The presence of 1–3-km-thick mylonite zone parallel to the thrust planes is related to the compressional event of Miocene age. The geomorphic pattern and chronologically constraints (OSL ages) with spatial variability in the incision/uplift rate suggests that the terrain is undergoing differential crustal deformation during Late Quaternary. Kinematic indicators such as streaky foliations, S–C foliation, mantled porphyroclasts, micro-shears with bookshelf gliding, and mica fish found in mylonites (macroscopic as well as microscopic) indicate ductile deformation in the area. We used Flinn plot (Rf/ϕ) and Fry (Tectonophysics 60:89–105, 1979) analysis to delineate the finite strain pattern in 21 oriented samples collected across the BK bound thrusts (BjT and AT). The strain analysis revealed an increasing trend of strained quartz grains, which presents triaxialoblate strain geometry (flattening i.e., 0

We present geodetically estimated crustal strain rates in Uttarakhand Himalaya, a region which has long been considered as a part of seismic gap. We processed and analyzed the GPS data, acquired from the sites enveloping all the litho-tectonic units from the Sub Himalaya in the south to the Tethys Himalaya in the north together with the major Himalayan thrust/fault systems. On the basis of the obtained dataset, we conclude that the maximum amount of crustal shortening takes place towards the hinterland in the vicinity of Main Central Thrust and Inner Lesser Himalaya which is also in agreement with high seismic activity in these sectors. The GPS velocities of the sites (Indian reference frame) show significant variation from the sub-Himalaya to the Tethys Himalaya. The Sub and Inner Lesser Himalayan parts exhibit low deformation rate in contrast to the maximum amount of deformation in the Inner Lesser and Higher Himalayan segments. The strain analysis reveals lateral variation with high strain zones (HSZ) and moderate strain zones (MSZ) within the compressional regime in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. The strain rate of 0.45 and 0.25 micro-strain/year is observed in the HSZ and MSZ respectively. By comparing the strain rate with the seismicity pattern for the past five decades, we suggest that the earthquakes in the HSZ are related with ramp structure of the MHT, whereas, part of accumulated strain in the MSZ is being released in form of the present day seismic activity.

Magnetotelluric (MT) data have been acquired at 40 locations in Tuwa and its surrounding region (200 km east of Ahmedabad and 15 km north–northwest of Godhra) in the Mainland Gujarat with an average station spacing of 1.5 km. MT impedance tensors have been estimated in the period range of 0.001–100 s. The data have been modeled using non-linear conjugate gradient scheme taking both apparent resistivity and phase into account. From the 2D models of the MT data, the weathered granite with Quaternary sediments (with resistivity of

Rana and Sharma (2017) dispute our tectonic interpretation mainly on the basis of what they believe (climate?). However, we welcome their comments, as this gives us a chance to highlight the ambiguity inherent in discriminating the climate-tectonic imprints in morphotectonic records that are prevalent in current research. We should note that the paper published by Kothyari et al. (2017) was reviewed by national/international reviewers. We would like to emphasize the fact that the paper does not rule out the role of climate. However, most importantly, it presents significant features and observations that collection/assemblage points toward the dominant role of tectonics in their shaping, and not solely climate, as postulated by Rana and Sharma (2017). The objective of this paper is to identify tectonic signatures (geomorphology) in a monsoon - dominated, tectonically active terrain like the North Almora Thrust (NAT). These faults are marked by previous workers based on field evidence such as folding and faulting of lithological units; presence of slickensides parallel to the fault; offset of NAT owing to a transverse fault; and offset of drainage, drainage basin analysis, strath terraces, fluviolacustrine terraces, development of scarp, narrow river course, and deeply incised valleys. However, we disagree with the comments raised by Rana and Sharma (2017), because they are highly skewed toward the climate school of thought, and did not perceive the setting as a collection of landforms. Instead, they attempted to view them in isolation. Because these comments are important, we will try to further our research incorporating issues related to isolation of climate and tectonics imprints in the immediate future. We would like to thank Rana and Sharma (2017) for raising some basic questions on our work as this gave us an excellent opportunity to summarize and present the dominance of various processes and related landforms as earlier reported by Kothyari et al. (2017). A point-by-point detailed rebuttal/explanation of their queries is provided below.

The present study is an attempt to gain insight of the geodynamic implications on the evolution of Quaternary landforms in the Yangui River basin in the Indo-Myanmar Range (IMR), taking a multi-disciplinary approach. Originating at an elevation of ~2568 m asl, the Yangui River flows almost parallel to the regional strike of the IMR and drains into the Imphal valley at Yaripok and exhibits varied valley floor morphology. The valley floors are narrowest in the transverse valley sections. The fluvial landforms are represented by fill terraces, strath terraces and paleochannels. The chronologically constrained ages from fluvial stratigraphy suggests that the oldest phase of aggradation in the area began much before 8 ka. A total of 1164 lineaments were mapped, most trending NE-SW, which is slightly oblique to the regional strike of the IMR. East of the study area, the most prominent lineaments are those trending NE-SW. Lineament analysis suggests that the NNE-SSW trending lineaments are the first generation; followed by the ENE-SWS, while the youngest are the NW-SE trending lineaments. Quaternary landforms related to tectonic activity are observed in the Ringui area, where the morphology suggests transpressional tectonics. Cross-cutting relationships amongst faults suggest multiple phases of tectonic activity; linear valleys are observed along the fault planes. The cross conjugate faults and NW-SW lineaments of the area confirm tectonic activity in the area, which corroborates well with the seismogenic potential and oblique geometry of the Churachandpur-Mao Fault (CMF). Morphometric data also suggest ongoing tectonic activity in the area.

Geomorphic and morphotectonic evaluations of the Kashmir Basin have been carried by implicating different geomorphic indices such as stream-gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (HI), drainage basin asymmetry (AF), valley floor height and width ratio (Vf), transverse topographic symmetry factor (T), mountain front sinuosity (Smf), drainage basin shape (BS) and sinuosity index (SI) for the categorization of relative index of active tectonics (RIAT) through the use of geographic information systems (GIS) so as to decipher the role of neotectonics in geomorphologic evolution of the basin. The verified RIAT classes through field investigation and validation reveal the traverse of twenty-one active faults in the basin with demarcation of three RIAT classes viz., class-1 (inactive 20.07% of the area), class-2 (moderately active; 36.52% of the area) and class-3 (very active; 43.4% of the area). The observed values of RIAT distribution pattern are well corroborated with field observations. Ultimately, the overall geomorphic outputs and clustering of recent seismicity support the active tectonic control over the Kashmir basin, India.

In the Kumaun Himalaya, a portion of the Kosi River valley of ~90 km in length is chosen to study the fluvial morphology that provides first-order information about the dynamic response of bedrock channels to tectonic impulse. The Kosi River flows across/along major tectonic boundaries such as the South Almora Thrust, Ramgarh Thrust, Main Boundary Thrust, and the Himalayan Frontal Thrust, and local transverse and longitudinal faults. Varied fluvial landforms correspond to different tectonic settings, lithologies, bedrock channels, hillslopes, large landslides, terraces, and fans. The longitudinal valleys are also the sites for thick aggradational landforms. Some portion of these valleys fall in the areas of active extensional tectonics and is characterized by one of the widest valley floor sections in the Lesser Himalaya. In contrast, the transverse valley sections are incised by deep-cut v-shaped valleys and the narrowest valley section. Swerving of the Kosi River is observed in the Ramgarh Thrust and Amel Fault zones and also in the Main Boundary Thrust zone. Recent tectonic activity is evident from the presence of the faulted Quaternary deposits, linear fault scarps, abandoned channels, incised meandering, and multiple levels of terraces/strath terraces. Field observations and the computed ratio of valley floor width to valley height (Vf) corroborate each other. Valleys developed parallel to the strike of faults and bedrocks have relatively broader valleys with higher Vf values whereas in contrast, the valleys developed across the bedrock strike are narrow with smaller Vf values. The results of computed stream length gradient (SL) and steepness (Ks) indices show considerable correlations between the obtained SL and Ks data and the field evidences; high values of SL and Ks are characterized by the presence of knick points observed at the prominent thrusts and faults.