Global Positioning System, Chart plotter cum sounder based bathymetric mapping and morphometrical Characterization of Satopanth Tal, Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

Satopanth Tal is a high-altitude glacial lake feature in the Garhwal Himalaya, with a rich endowment of resource values that need a series of scientific studies. This examination includes multi-transient bathymetric data of the lake, which is of foremost significance, to show ecological changes and comprehend the impact of land processes on hydrology and sediment development in the lake and its basin in the future. Morphometry parameters such as areal and volumetric, including depth, volume, area, width, and length, etc were derived. The maximum depth measured was 17.5m, located almost at the geographical center of the lake. A composite contour map and three-dimensional maps based on Profile curves were drawn. This will be essential information for lake protection initiatives and can be utilized for various water-related resource management and environmental impact assessment studies. The bathymetric survey was carried out using a combination of the Garmin GPS 178 Chart plotter cum Echo Sounder and to generate XYZ hydrographic data points. Some of the basic parameters that arrived for the Satopanth Tal include dynamic ratio, form roughness, shore development, and morphoedaphic index; etc infers the nature of Lake Surface and its productivity. The information generates from the present study forms as a first of its kind, since; there were no such preliminary data available. In this context, the outcome of the study will form as crucial documentation of the study to support the sustainable management of high altitude lake systems.