Geomorphology of Karnataka: South India

Geomorphology is no longer a subject which is just confined to the text books. It has helped us to understand as to why the River Saraswathi disappeared or how the River Cauvery migrated from its original course, or why and when the rivers Sharavathi, Netravathi and Kali increased their drainage basins by capturing east flowing streams. Besides the geomorphic agents, tectonic and neotectonic activities are also contributing significantly in creating new landforms and modifying the existing landforms, like, for example, shifting of water divides. Understanding these phenomena is vital to the management of surface and subsurface water. Slope characteristics coupled with the rock type and structure in a region, provide information on the areas susceptible to rock and land slides. To a field geologist, what attracts first is the landform. Observation of the spectacular features carved by nature, offers an invaluable insight to the rock types structures. Hence, it is imperative that a geologist has to have at least a cursory knowledge of geomorphology. It was in this background, the the author was immensely pleased to know about a very useful project being undertaken by the Karnataka Geologists’ Association, which is bringing out a fully illustrated volume on "Geomorphology of Karnataka". The association has also in the past brought out an useful collection of articles on Geology of Karnataka titled "Geo Karnataka" in commerating the centenary year of department of mines and geology. This book will make the beginning of revival of scientific spirit and temper among the officers of the Department of Mines and Geology. The Government of Karnataka should encourage in all possible ways to restore the image of the department of mines and geology had as a scientific institution. The department had many eminent geologists and because of their contribution to geology of Karnataka, it was counted on par with the Geological Survey of India. Excellent photographs of the terranes, features, coloured satellite images, extracts from topographic maps, maps demarcating the boundaries of different types of landforms, cross section of topography, drainage maps with precise explanation, have all contributed to make this volume readable, rewarding and educative. Because of these qualities, the author feel that the book should be made available to all educational institutions right from the higher secondary schools, so that the teachers who teach earth science related topics will be better equipped and thereby do a greater justice to their wards. Even a common man will be benefited by going through this volume.