Geomorphic Evidences of Neotectonic Movements in Dharchula Area, Northeast Kumaun: A Perspective of the Recent Tectonic Activity

The northeastern Kumaun part of Kumaun Lesser Himalaya is seismotectonically one of the most active segments of the Central Himalaya. The major as well as minor thrusts and faults in Dharchula and its environs are neotectonically quite active and as such their movements have made this region vulnerable to landslides. Dharchula and its environs have been affected by number of earthquakes. The recent tectonic movements along these thrusts and faults are expressed in the geomorphic rejuvenation of the terrain such as entrenched meandering, river courses characterized by deep gorges, unusual widening of the river valleys, formation of the palaeolakes, deflection of rivers, and offsetting of the river terraces. Abrupt deflection of Kali river course from general flowage i.e. NNE-SSW to E-W is observed, which reflect the rejuvenated movements of the faults. Reactivation of the fault has resulted in the formation of six levels of terraces in Gathibagar. Relicts of lacustrine deposits formed due to abrupt changes in the drainage regime are also observed along Jauljibi-Dharchula section.