Oscillation of meandering Bhagirathi on the alluvial flood plain of Bengal Basin, India; as controlled by the Palaeo-geomorphic architecture Laha Chalantika Department of Science & Technology, Government of West Bengal, India Bikash Bhavan, Salt Lake, Sector-I, Kolkata, Pin-700091. chalantikal@gmail.com Online published on 19 April, 2016. Abstract The channel morphometry depends on its planform geometry and the processes operating within its meander belt area. In the wide young alluvial tracts, it oscillates laterally getting supported by variability of water discharge, sediment load, bedrock outcrops, ground slopes, human activities and tectonic influence. Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system is an essential lifeline for the people of southern West Bengal, India, which provides perpetual supply of water for irrigation and human and industry consumption. Although total river reach is experiencing a huge morphometric change followed by lateral shift and bank erosion; the channel stretch that has been taken in this study, has the highest sinuosity and parcels of acute meandering along with the palaeo-channel formations existed on its younger flood plain. The palaeo-channel formations support the fact of Indian plate tilting in the south-eastward direction. The elevation as depicted in the cross-profile made on Digital Elevation Model is casting the sequential changes in the channel path followed by the formation of palaeogeomorphic architecture. This can indicate potential zones for ground water. Analysis of fluvio-geomorphic scenario can assist trend analysis, so that, this can be taken under consideration while occurring any human intervention in natural free flow. Top Keywords channel morphometry, lateral shift, meandering, plate tilting, flood-plain, palaeogeomorphic, human intervention. Top |