Geomorphology and Evolution of the Modern Mahanadi Delta Using Remote Sensing Data

The Mahanadi delta covering an area of about 7, 500km2 has been studied using aerial photographs on scale 131, 680 and Geocoded data on scale 150, 000 with a view to delineate the landforms and lineaments. Based on geomorphic process and agents the landforms are classified into fluvial, fluvio- marine and marine. The Mahanadi delta is dominated by fluvial processes. The delta is formed of a number of abandoned river courses. The landforms formed due to coastal processes are later disturbed by the fluvial processes. Based on disposition of old and abandoned river courses about 23 abandoned meander lobes are identified. Basing on disposition of ancient beach ridges three major strandlines/former delta fronts are recognized. The morphological growth of the modern Mahanadi delta has been described basing on disposition of abandoned meander lobes and ancient strandlines. There are about 20 macro lineaments which have directly or indirectly have affected the landforms and the growth of the delta. A few geomorphic highs are morpho-structures are identified by tonal contrast relief, shape, vegetation, meandering of former and present river courses. The rate of progradation of the modern Mahanadi delta is about 9.1km for one thousand years. The modern Mahanadi delta might have been formed during the Holocene period.