Techniques of Applied Geomorphology

Applied geomorphology is where the study of Earth’s landforms meets human activity—a bridge between natural processes and human interventions. It helps in urban planning, disaster management, resource extraction, and environmental conservation. But how do geomorphologists actually work? Let’s explore their techniques, step by step.

Mapping the Landforms

Before making any decision about land use, we must first understand the terrain. Mapping landforms is like creating a detailed script of the Earth’s surface—highlighting slopes, valleys, plateaus, and drainage patterns.

🔹 Slope Mapping: Steep slopes may pose risks for construction, while gentle slopes are suitable for agriculture and urban expansion. For instance, in Himalayan regions, slope stability maps help in determining safe zones for settlements.

🔹 Identifying Geomorphic Hazards: If an area is prone to landslides, floods, or coastal erosion, geomorphic mapping can predict risks and suggest preventive measures.

🔹 Topographical Studies for Infrastructure: Whether it’s a highway cutting through mountains or a dam on a river, planners use geomorphological maps to ensure stability and sustainability.

Aerial Photography & Satellite Imagery

Now, let’s elevate our journey. Imagine hovering thousands of feet above the ground, capturing images that reveal the secrets of the land. This is what aerial photography and satellite imagery do—they provide a panoramic yet detailed perspective of Earth’s surface.

📷 Aerial Photography:
Taken from aircraft, these photographs help in:
✅ Urban planning (deciding city layouts and expansion zones).
✅ Identifying land use patterns (agriculture, deforestation, wetlands).
✅ Monitoring changes in the landscape over time.

🛰 Satellite Imagery:
Collected from space, satellite images serve multiple purposes:
✅ Weather forecasting – Tracking monsoons, cyclones, and droughts.
✅ Mineral prospecting – Identifying deposits of coal, iron, or oil.
✅ Agricultural monitoring – Estimating crop yields and detecting soil moisture levels.

For example, India’s ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has used satellite data to predict drought conditions, helping farmers plan irrigation strategies effectively.

Remote Sensing

If aerial photography gives us images, remote sensing allows us to gather even more precise data—without even touching the ground! This technique relies on electromagnetic radiation to scan Earth’s surface.

🌍 How It Works:
Different objects (forests, water bodies, soil types) reflect and absorb light in unique ways—this is called their spectral signature. By analyzing these signatures, scientists can:
✅ Detect deforestation and desertification.
✅ Monitor glacial retreat in the Himalayas.
✅ Identify polluted water bodies in urban regions.

🛰 GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Integration
Remote sensing alone isn’t enough. To make sense of the massive data, we use GIS, a tool that helps layer different types of maps (topography, population density, climate) and create spatial models for better decision-making.

For instance, disaster management agencies use GIS and remote sensing together to map flood-prone zones and plan relief measures effectively.

Monitoring Environmental Changes

The world is changing—forests are shrinking, rivers are shifting, and glaciers are melting. Applied geomorphology plays a crucial role in monitoring these changes to ensure sustainability.

🌿 Deforestation & Soil Degradation: In areas like the Western Ghats, rapid deforestation has triggered soil erosion and landslides. Remote sensing helps track vegetation loss and assess land stability.

🏜 Desertification & Water Scarcity: The expansion of deserts in Rajasthan is a major concern. Using satellite data, scientists identify regions at risk and suggest afforestation or water conservation methods.

🏗 Urban Expansion & Land Subsidence: Cities like Delhi and Jakarta are experiencing land subsidence due to over-extraction of groundwater. Remote sensing and geomorphic mapping help monitor ground movements and prevent infrastructural damage.

Predicting & Managing Hazards

One of the most crucial roles of applied geomorphology is in disaster management. Let’s consider a few examples:

🌋 Volcanic Eruption Predictions
By monitoring ground deformation, gas emissions, and thermal activity, scientists can predict volcanic eruptions. For example, Mt. St. Helens (USA) was closely monitored before its 1980 eruption, saving thousands of lives.

🌊 Flood Control Strategies
✅ Identifying flood-prone zones through past flood patterns.
✅ Building diversion channels and embankments to redirect water.
✅ Using GIS to issue real-time flood alerts (e.g., Brahmaputra floods in Assam).

🏔 Landslide Mapping
Areas with steep slopes and loose soil are prone to landslides (e.g., Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh). Geomorphic mapping helps identify unsafe regions and guides urban planners in making informed decisions.

Conclusion

Applied geomorphology is more than just studying landforms—it is a powerful tool for shaping the way humans interact with the Earth. From predicting natural disasters to planning sustainable cities, from monitoring deforestation to mapping river courses, geomorphic techniques allow us to balance development with nature.