Relief and Slope Analysis of the Upper Gori Ganga Basin, Central Himalaya

Mamta Negi, Dr. R. C. Joshi

Abstract: Relief and slope analysis play a fundamental role in understanding the geomorphological and environmental characteristics of mountainous regions. This study investigates the relief and slope dynamics of the Upper Gori Ganga Basin, a high-altitude Himalayan watershed, using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The basin's elevation ranges from 2,480 m to 7,151 m and is classified into eight altitudinal zones, with the 4,500-5,000 m zone dominating. Absolute and relative relief analyses reveal significant vertical variation, with absolute relief ranging from 4923 m to 7061 m and relative relief from 1105 m to 2651 m. Relief profiles (serial, superimposed, projected, and composite) illustrate the glacially sculpted valleys, ridges, and troughs. Slope analysis was conducted in both per cent and degree metrics, categorising the terrain from gentle (<20%) to extremely steep slopes (>100%). A significant portion (23.12%) of the basin exhibits extremely steep slopes, indicating a rugged and erosion-prone landscape. Aspect analysis shows south and southeast-facing slopes dominate the basin, influencing vegetation, snow melt, and microclimatic conditions. Overall, the study provides a detailed morphometric understanding of the Upper Gori Ganga Basin, aiding in ecological assessment, land use planning, and hazard vulnerability analysis in the fragile Himalayan terrain.

Keywords: Relief, Slop, Upper Gori Ganga, Digital elevation model (DEM)

How to Cite?: Mamta Negi, Dr. R. C. Joshi, "Relief and Slope Analysis of the Upper Gori Ganga Basin, Central Himalaya", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1213-1222, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25815115438, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25815115438