Geomorphology of The Middle Luni Basin of Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The geomorphology of the Middle Luni Basin of arid Western Rajasthan has been discussed. The region consists of 11 geomorphic units. The geomorphic features of the region are the products of both fluvial as well as. aeolian actions. The condition of ground water are favourable in piedmont plains, recent flood plains. eroded rocky surface, Siwana alluvial plain and Kundal-Ramania alluvial plain. The depths of wells in these units vary from 15 to 21 m. The measurements of the dunes have indicated that they have increased and decreased by 6 to 10mm since 1934. The dunes occuring in this region are of aeolian origin. The region is drained by the Luni river and its tributaries. The total length of the Luni river with its tributaries is about 843 km, the highest being in the piedmont zones. The drainage patterns developed in this region are linear, sub-parallel, sub-dendritic and radial. The largest concentration of streams is in the piedmont zone where the basins of 4th order are found and the lowest number of the streams is found in pachpadra salt basin and undulating alluvial plains with sandy hummocks. The total area of the basins is the highest in the alluvial plain and the lowest in~the Kundal-Ramania intermontane alluvial plain. The wind erosion is more conspicuous than water erosion. The water erosion is confined to the piedmont zones and gullies have occasionally formed. The wind. erosion is more widespread in sand dunes, sandy plains and ploughed alluvial plains. To check the water and wind erosion several conservation measures have been suggested.