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Research Paper | Geography | India | Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023

Morphology of the Lower Umiew River Valley in the Southern Meghalaya Plateau

R Alvareen Lyngdoh Nongpiur | Hiambok Jones Syiemlieh

Abstract: Rivers and the valley systems they form are some of the most prominent and interesting features in the earth?s surface. A product of fluvial erosion, river valleys are one of the most ubiquitous features of the landscape. Lying between 91?57? E to 91?76? E longitudes and 25?18? to 25?43? latitudes, the Lower Umiew River Valley is an important geomorphic feature located along the Southern Slopes of the East Khasi Hills District of the Meghalaya plateau. This region, characterised by hilly terrain and rugged topography is well known for receiving some of the heaviest rainfall in the world. The present study aims at giving a comprehensive description of the morphological features of the Lower Umiam River Valley and to analyse the impact that the long term heavy rainfall has on the valleys. It also aims to understand how the lithologic variations affect the width and depth of the valley. The approach of the study is mostly based on map works derived from topographic sheets as well as Digital Elevation Models (DEM) generated through ARCGIS. Basic calculations of the width and depth are done using suitable formulas. The results show that the valleys of the Lower Umiew River are broadened or enlarged V - shaped valleys, with steep valley slopes, narrow valley floors with interlocking spurs and high elevational relief. The valleys comprises of constrained reaches made up of mainly colluvial deposits, influenced by the heavy rainfall in the region.

Keywords: river valleys, morphology, Lower Umiew River

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023,

Pages: 212 - 216