This research aimed to investigate the geomorphic evolution of the Deccan Trap using morphometric analysis and field-based approaches, with a special focus on tectonic influences. The findings revealed that the tectonic characteristics of different areas within the Deccan region vary, challenging the earlier belief that the entire region is a uniformly uplifted block. In particular, the Koyna-Warna area exhibited strong indications of tectonic uplift based on morphometric data, although field evidence to support this remains limited. 

Funding: None

Publications: Das, S., 2020. Koyna-Warna shallow seismic region, India: Is there any geomorphic expression of active tectonics? https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-020-1541-x

Dole, G., Das, S., Kale, V.S., 2022. Tectonic framework of geomorphic evolution of the Deccan Volcanic Province, India. Earth-Science Reviews 228, 103988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.103988

This research aimed to investigate the influence of various natural and anthropogenic factors, such as lithology, geomorphology, climate, dam construction, and land-use changes, on spatio-temporal variation in sediment load within the Godavari basin. We applied numerous statistical and modeling approaches. The results indicated that the temporal variation in sediment load is primarily controlled by extensive dam constructions, while the spatial variation is related to rainfall distribution.

Funding: UGC-India

Publications: Das, S., Sangode, S.J., Kandekar, A.M., Meshram, D.C., Tarolli, P., 2023. Interrelation between factors controlling sediment yield in the largest catchment of Peninsular India. Journal of Hydrology 622, 129680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2023.129680 

Das, S., Kandekar, A.M., Sangode, S.J., 2021. Natural and anthropogenic effects on spatio-temporal variation in sediment load and yield in the Godavari basin, India. Science of the Total Environment 845, 157213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157213

This research aimed to investigate water discharge and sediment load changes in the largest catchment in Peninsular India (the Godavari) during the Anthropocene (1965-2015). A total of 57 gauging stations were considered for streamflow, and 25 stations for sediment load analysis. Mann-Kendall and Pettitt tests were applied to detect trends and abrupt changes in the time series. The results indicated a declining trend in both streamflow and sediment load. While the streamflow decline is related to variation in precipitation, extensive dam and reservoir construction during the mid-1980s to mid-1990s significantly decreased sediment load.

Funding: UGC-India

Publication: Das, S., Sangode, S.J., Kandekar, A.M., 2021. Recent decline in water discharge and sediment load in the Godavari basin, India. Catena 206, 105537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2021.105537