Changing Paradigms in Applied Geomorphology for Hydroclimatic Research Studies: A Case Study of Bharathapuzha River Basin

Geomorphology, one of theApplied geomorphology comprehensive branches of geography, has evolved from a more descriptive subject to a more applied subject. The major shift can be seen in teaching, education, research, and development. The scientific approaches to geomorphological studies have strengthened with the increasing demand to evaluate the rising incidences of serious implications of climate change on the planet earth. With the advent of satellite-based remote sensing, the paradigm shiftParadigm shift in geomorphologyGeomorphology from a pure subject to an applied subject was more evident. This chapter reviews some of the key influences of geospatialGeospatial technologies in bringing the paradigm shiftParadigm shift in the subject with special reference to hydroclimatic studies in Bharathapuzha River Basin (BRB), Palakkad, Kerala. In this chapter, the seasonal distribution of precipitationPrecipitation in the basin was found. The mean annual rainfallAnnual rainfall of the basin is 1750 mm from 1983 to 2020. It is astonishing to note the magnitude of rainfall aberrations during the floodsFlood in 2018 and 2019 in the basin. Bank erosionBank erosion due to sand and clay mining is the major threatsThreats to the morphometry and very existence of the river. With geospatialGeospatial technologies, there is a huge potential for terrain analysis and regional studies. It gives new dimensions to research and development and offers apt solutions for implementing location-specific adaptation to climate change. This subject has become indispensable in disaster management, especially hazard risk assessment in the context of fluctuating human necessities.