Morphometric analysis and watershed delineation of the Karnaphuli river basin: A comparative study using different DEMs in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study aimed to delineate a robust watershed boundary and extract its morphometric parameters in the Karnaphuli watershed, Bangladesh, using different digital elevation models (DEMs). Two DEMs, the shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM) and the terra advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER), were employed to delineate watershed boundaries and evaluate various morphometric characteristics. Raster data such as fill sinks, flow direction, and flow accumulation were utilized to delineate the watershed. The morphometric analysis included the estimation of linear, areal, and relief parameters. The findings revealed a noticeable difference between the datasets; ASTER delineated a larger watershed area than SRTM. Regarding stream order, there were streams ranging from 1st to 6th order, encompassing numerous small, medium, and main channels of the river. Drainage density was calculated as 0.52 km/km² for SRTM and 0.51 km/km² for ASTER, both having a spatial resolution of 30m. The bifurcation ratio ranged from 1.94 for SRTM to 2.45 for ASTER, indicating varying degrees of structural disturbance influenced by geological factors. The form factor indicated an elongated shape of the study area. The overall dimensions of the streams and the watershed extent suggest moderate mean annual rainfall discharge. The watershed exhibited relatively high denudation rates, attributed to the basin relief. A low drainage density indicated the importance of infiltration processes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the spatial variability of watershed characteristics, highlighting the need for tailored management strategies for the Karnaphuli River. Implementing targeted conservation measures and watershed management practices based on these morphometric parameters can enhance water resource sustainability and ecological health in the region.

Keywords

ASTER / DEM / Drainage network / Karnaphuli river / Morphometric analysis / SRTM / Watershed

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2024 The Author(s). River published by Wiley-VCH GmbH on behalf of China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).