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This paper presents a new interpretation of overlapping differential deformations and likely causes of the structural heterogeneity within the Kashmir basin. Representing a prominent and distinctive strain feature in NW Himalaya, the broad geomorphic expression of the Kashmir as an elongated NW-SE trending sedimentary trough is inconsistent with general compression governing structural trend and deformation pattern of ∼2500 km long Himalayan Frontal Thrust zone. In addition to the general extensional geometry, there are prominent anomalous deformation features at varied spatial scales in the basins that imply dominance of extensional tectonics. We infer that contrary to the overall compression dominant mechanism of the Himalaya, the apparent extensional geometry of the basin connotes orogen-parallel extensional deformation (pull-apart), triggered by oblique convergence in the NW Himalaya. Moreover, we construe that the comparatively younger contractile (positive) features in form of the geomorphic convexity (push-up), accompanied by out-of-sequence reverse faulting (Balapur Fault, hereafter called as BF) within the basin which is generally believed to be associated with the uplift along NE dipping southern thrust complex (MBT/MCT), possibly resulted due to the tectonic reversal (positive inversion). The presence of the compressional features within the locally predominant extensional setting is suggestive of the basin's hybrid character—where variable tectonic regimes (earlier extension and subsequent compression) seem to be coexistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphology has long been recognised as a key to evaluate the interplay between tectonics and landscape geometry in the regions of active deformation. We use geomorphic signatures at varied spatial scales interpreted from SRTM-DEM/Landsat-ETM data, supplemented with field observations to review the tectonic evolution of Kashmir basin in northwest Himalayas. Geomorphic evidence is persuasive of a credible NNW–SSE trending dextral strike–slip structure (central Kashmir Fault — CKF), with the strike length of ~ 165 km, stretched centrally over the NNW–SSE length of the Kashmir basin. As a result of the strike–slip motion and subsequent erosion, significant deformation has taken place along the CKF. In addition, broad geomorphic architecture of the basin reveals typical pull-apart characteristics. Hence, we deduce that the Kashmir basin has evolved as a pull-apart Quaternary sediment depression owing to the deformation along the central Kashmir Fault. The spatial distribution pattern of seismic events (NEIC-catalogue, 1973–2013) and GPS measurements (published), collectively substantiate our geomorphic interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In September 2014, the Kashmir valley (north-west India) experienced a massive flood causing significant economic losses and fatalities. This disaster underlined the high vulnerability of the local population and raised questions regarding the resilience of Kashmiris to future floods. Although the magnitude of the 2014 flood has been considered unprecedented within the context of existing measurements, we argue that the short flow series may lead to spurious misinterpretation of the probability of such extreme events. Here we use a millennium-long record of past floods in Kashmir based on historical and tree-ring records to assess the probability of 2014-like flood events in the region. Our flood chronology (635 CE–nowadays) provides key insights into the recurrence of flood disasters and propels understanding of flood variability in this region over the last millennium, showing enhanced activity during the Little Ice Age. We find that high-impact floods have frequently disrupted the Kashmir valley in the past. Thus, the inclusion of historical records reveals large flood hazard levels in the region. The newly gained information also underlines the critical need to take immediate action in the region, so as to reduce the exposure of local populations and to increase their resilience, despite existing constraints in watershed management related to the Indus Water Treaty. Unlabelled Image • Kashmir has recently suffered extreme flood disasters • Historical and tree-ring flood records show the occurrence of extreme floods events over last millennium • The gained records contribute to a better flood-hazard assessment. • This information is relevant for flood mitigation under the Indus Water Treaty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]