Forecasting Hazards

Kashmir Valley, a scenic but geologically complicated area, is situated between the great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range. The valley has been formed over millions of years by the strong forces below the Earth's surface. Morphotectonic analysis assists us in knowing the way these forces, such as earthquakes and movements of land, have shaped the valley's landforms, rivers, and overall structure.

Kashmir Valley is placed in a very active seismic belt because it is situated on the collision boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The Indian plate began to move north, It collided with the Eurasian plate, that formed huge pressure. This pressure has led to the development of large fault lines, such as:

Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) – A fault dividing the Himalayas from the smaller mountain ranges.

Main Central Thrust (MCT) – A fault beneath the surface involved in mountain creation.

Zanskar Shear Zone – A tectonic fracture that is responsible for seismic activity in the northern valley.

These tectonic movements and faults not only generate earthquakes but also create the topography of the valley by uplifting mountains and changing river courses.

Landforms Formed by Tectonic Activity: 

The landscape of the valley is a product of ongoing tectonic forces, erosion, and deposition of sediments. Some of the prominent landforms are:

Karewas – They are flat topped terraces that occur in the valley, developed through the deposition of sediments over millions of years. Karewas are very fertile and provide Kashmir's renowned saffron cultivation.

Hanging Valleys – Minor valleys occurring at higher levels, developed as a result of glacial action and tectonic uplift.

Alluvial Fans – Cone-shaped sediment deposits created by rivers transporting sediments from mountains to the plains. The Jhelum River has formed a number of such fans.

Fault Scarps – The steep slopes or cliffs created by abrupt movement along the fault lines.

Rivers and Tectonic Influence:

The Jhelum River, the lifeline of Kashmir, has been heavily impacted by tectonic movements. It winds its way through the valley, modifying its course with time due to elevation changes resulting from earthquakes and fault movement. Numerous minor streams and tributaries have also been altered, resulting in altered drainage patterns.

Seismic Activity and Hazards: 

The Kashmir Valley has been subjected to numerous disastrous earthquakes, among them the 2005 Muzaffarabad earthquake, which was severely damaging. The region's high seismicity is hazardous and has the following risks:

Ground Shaking: Infrastructure and buildings are vulnerable to damage due to powerful earthquakes.

Landslides: Slopes of mountains lose stability, resulting in spontaneous collapses.

River Course Changes : River blockages or diversion may result from movements of faults, causing flooding.

Conclusion:

Morphotectonic study of the Kashmir Valley makes us aware of how tectonic forces have formed and continue to shape the landscape of the region. It is important for disaster preparedness, urban planning, and environmental protection. Since tectonic activity continues, more studies are required to forecast hazards and reduce their effects on the Kashmiri people.

Wajahat Ahmad Mir, Undergraduate Scholar,  Department of Geography

Sri-Pratap College