Formation of Chambal Ravines

Abstract

It has been attempted in this paper to explain the formation of deep ravines in semi-arid region along the river Chambal and its tributaries in almost flat aluvial plains, having high percentage of clay that has low dispersion co-efficient. The role of river depth, meandering, confluence, pot holes, cracks and the catchment to the formation of ravine has been critically examined. The process of scouring greater than the process of silting in the river and its tributaries in deep alluvial plains has been found to be the main reason of the deepening of the river that has a direct bearing on the depth of ravine. It has been revealed that ravine has a separate identity than a net work of gullies. While the former as the function of the river depth remains invariably confined to the vicinity of the river and tributaries and proceeds from the river bank to the agricultural fields the latter is the function of the catchment, distinguished by longitudinal development and proceeds from upland to the river or lowlying areas.