ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES IN LANDCOVER FEATURES DUE TO EARTHQUAKE USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Earthquakes have continued to occur since time immemorial. Earthquakes are known to have caused extensive damage and disaster to lives and property as well as affect the ecology of the environment. Earthquakes are responsible for the loss of nearly 10,000 Lives every year on the earth. About half of the geographical area of India is lying in the seismic zone, out of which more susceptible regions are the Northern region from Kashmir to Assam, Eastern region of Nagaland, Manipur. and Bay Island and Kutch region. With the availability of high resolution remote sensing IRS LISS 11 data, the information pertaining to earthquake related parameters such as rock types, folds, faults, vegetation and urbanisation etc, can now by collected timely and accurately. Remote sensing data due to its repetitive coverage may be used effectively for the assessment of damage due to an earthquake. Although some studies have been carried out abroad in this direction, very little work has been done in India. A study therefore has been undertaken to utilise this emerging technology of remote sensing for assessing the changes in landcover features due, to earthquake and if possible to develop a methodology for identifying and providing timely information with regard to earthquake hazards. The impact of Uttarkashi earthquake of October 20, 1991 was studied from digital analysis of IRS LISS II geocoded CCT of pre, post earthquake and 1994 data.