Remote Sensing Analysis of Recent Active Tectonics in Pamir Using Digital Elevation Model: River Profile Approach

Digital elevation models (DEMs) are key component for computer-based analyses of river profiles, drainage basin as it provides elevation information for the land surface throughout the catchment of the area. During the Cenozoic uplift of Tibetan plateau and surrounding ranges due to India-Eurasia collision, the tectonic processes are interacting with the local random effects (e.g. Landslides, Glaciations and climatic Changes) and are linked with the development of a unique river network in this region. These rivers have distinct patterns and are controlled by different tectonic and climatic regions. Drainage history of the Pamir is related to continental movements of the plates, displacements of the tectonics, regional uplift and erosion of various individual tectonic units. This study focuses on the application of remote sensing techniques in order to show the spatial variation of uplift and deformation along the right bank tributaries of Pyanj (Vanch, Yazgulem, Aksu-Murghab-Bartang, Gunt-Alichur and Shokhdara) and one of the few left bank tributary (Shiveh river) and Pyanj itself. DEM data is used to extract river network in this area. Moreover, slopes and drainage areas are also calculated from Digital Elevation Model. Based on the stream power law, we make area-slope plot so as to derive channel parameters like concavity (thetas) and steepness (K_s) which are related closely to uplift and deformation. The lineaments and major tectonic features have been digitized from geological maps of the region. The uplift, steepness and hack index maps have been generated by using some specially designed algorithms for this purpose.