Remote sensing analysis of quaternary deformation using river networks in Hindukush region

The Hindukush region in north-western Pakistan is amongst the most active geomorphic regions in the world and is bounded by principal active zones. This study focuses on the application of remote sensing techniques in order to show the spatial variation of uplift and deformation along the Tirch Mir Massif and Shyok suture zone in the eastern Hindukush. Stream profile analysis and box counting techniques were employed on drainage network extracted from digital elevation model (DEM) to calculate the geomorphic indices and fractal dimension. The estimation of fractal dimensions allows us to measure the degree of complexity by evaluating how the dimension measurement increases or decreases at different scales with respect to the vulnerability of the surface deformation (surface roughness). The objective is to quantify the influence of neotectonic activity on the drainage system by measuring the reduction in complexity as the deformation intensity increases. We used a steepness index map to prepare a relative uplift rate map of the area. It is also observed that the main control over the drainage system is tectonic uplift. Quaternary faults in the region control local drainages and the deflection of rivers and stream offsets is a further evidence of neotectonic activity. This study can be improved by using high resolution imagery and GPS data. The anomalous and heterogeneous behaviour of drainage pattern, seismicity and fractal dimension values also prove the active nature of the Hindukush region.