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 International Journal of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science
2019; 6(2): 7-16
http://www.openscienceonline.com/journal/aass

Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City

Corporation Area-an Approach of Remote Sensing
and GIS Technique
Shahtaj Karim1, *, Kazi Munsura Akther1, Mahmuda Khatun2, Reshad Md. Ekram Ali1
1
Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2
Department of Geological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh

Email address

*
Corresponding author

To cite this article

Shahtaj Karim, Kazi Munsura Akther, Mahmuda Khatun, Reshad Md. Ekram Ali. Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City
Corporation Area-an Approach of Remote Sensing and GIS Technique. International Journal of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science.
Vol. 6, No. 2, 2019, pp. 7-16.

Received: January 27, 2019; Accepted: March 25, 2019; Published: April 26, 2019

Abstract
Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh is situated in the central part of the country. It is one of the fastest growing cities of the world.
As a result important geomorphic features are continuously obstructing day by day. Although most of the parts of the Dhaka
city have already been developed but people influx from exterior are rapidly increasing each day. As a result Dhaka city is not
only expanding horizontally it is expanding vertically also. City dwellers will go to enjoy lots of fly over and metro rail in near
future which will also increase in future. Geomorphology as well as geology of an area plays an important role to proper urban
planning as well as disaster preparedness directly or indirectly. Geomorphological and geological knowledge based aerial
photo interpretation maps have prepared by remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. For
generating a proper geomorphological and geological map, aerial photographs of 1954 have been used to get previous detail
information and IKONOS of 2011 images have been used to get recent information. On the basis of landforms, its genesis,
evolution and morphodynamics, the area is mapped into two broad geomorphic units as Fluvio-tidal/Alluvial/Depositional
landforms and Erosional/Denudational landforms. Depositional landform is further divided into several units as meander
channel, natural levee, point bar, channel bar, lateral bar, back swamp, swamp/depression, flood plain, shallow alluvial gully,
deep alluvial gully and valley/abandoned channel where erosional landform is separated as upper Madhupur Terrace, lower
Madhupur Terrace, Madhupur slope and gully head. Geological information of the study area gained by auger hole and SPT
(Standard Penetration Test) boring, then lithological characteristics of each unit have been observed and the area is broadly
classified into two geologic formations like Holocene deposits and Pleistocene deposits which have again divided into number
of geologic units on the basis of geomorphological appearance and sediment characteristics.
Keywords
Geomorphology, Geology, Remote Sensing, Aerial Photo, Satellite Image

undulating in nature and eastern and western sides are

1. Introduction
Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh is one of the fastest
growing cities in the Southeast Asia. Dhaka City Corporation
(DCC) is the administrative unit of Dhaka city and is
bounded by the Buriganga river in the south, the Turag river
in the west, the Balu river in the east and Tongi khal in the
north. The central part of Dhaka city is elevated and
characterized by low and complex of low and high lands.
Initially the city developed on the elevated tract of the
Madhupur of Pleistocene age later expanded into the flood
plain and marsh deposits of Holocene time [1]. With
increasing population the city is facing such expansion
gradually which is increasing very rapidly nowadays. But a
sustainable urban and land use planning demands detail
surface geomorphology and subsurface geology of the area.
8 Shahtaj Karim et al.: Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City Corporation Area-an Approach of
Remote Sensing and GIS Technique

Many researchers around the world refer the importance of
geomorphological, geological and geotechnical investigations
prior to proper urban planning. Landforms have their individual
distinguishing features dependent upon the geomorphic process
responsible for their development [2]. If landforms are properly
interpreted, they throw light upon the geologic history, structure
and lithology of a region and hence are relevant to urban
planning [3]. The geology and the geomorphology of an area are
important in the assurance of sustainable land management and
in the protection of human life in urban areas [4]. An integrated
evaluation of the suitable areas for urban growth and light
industry development is proposed by using mainly natural
hazards as well as geological, geomorphological and
geographical characteristics [5]. The geology of an area dictates
the location and nature of any civil engineering structures [6].
For correct and sound urban planning, construction and
expansion of cities, careful analysis of geomorphological,
geological and geotechnical data are needed. In other words,
understanding the natural environment is crucial [7]. Many
scholars and researchers pointed out that geology,
geomorphology and hydrogeology of a site or area must be
known and investigated before any engineering geological site
specific study is carried out [8]. The lack of basic knowledge
about geological, geotechnical characteristics of the urban
environment and proper planning underlies many geotechnical,
social and economic problems [9], like landslide hazard, erosion,
silting up of culverts, flooding, cracking of buildings, etc. may
occur, which will threatening people, property and infrastructure
networks. Many scholars have also highlighted such problems
that are very susceptible in urban areas [10-12]. Although this
study is only concentrated with geomorphology and geology of
the area but it can play a vital role for urban planning yet due to
frequent inhomogeneity of subsurface geologic characteristics.
But before proper urban planning it is very much necessary to
carry out detail geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations
and associated hazard assessment and for those investigations
present geomorphological and geological maps and analyses can
be used as a base map.

Figure 1. Location map of Dhaka City Corporation areas.

 International Journal of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science 2019; 6(2): 7-16
The study area is located between longitudes 90°20″ E to
90°30″ E and latitudes 23°40″ N to 23°55″ N and is covered
by the Survey of Bangladesh topographic sheet Nos. 79 I/5
and I/6 in the scale of 1:50,000. Total mapped area is about
310 sq. km. (Figure 1). The elevation of the city area ranges
from 1 meter to 14 meters above mean sea level. The highest
elevation is near Pallabi of Mirpur area and the lowest
elevation is near TV station of Rampura area [ 13].
Tectonically the study area lies in the Faridpur Trough of
Bengal Fore deep [14-15] and according to Seismic Zoning
Map of Bangladesh the study area falls in Zone-2, having
Seismic Zone Coefficient 0.15 and probable maximum
magnitude 6.5-7 in Richter Scale and VIII in Modified
Mercalli Scale [16-17].
2. Materials and Method
Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS)
techniques have used to prepare geomorphological
knowledge base aerial photo interpretation maps of the city.
Remote sensing techniques include use and interpretation of
aerial photographs, different types of satellite images and
geographic information system (GIS) techniques include use
of software like ArcGIS for the preparation of different maps
and their derivatives. GPS is used for locating positions and
map units.
Initially, geomorphological map has been prepared by
Figure 2. Pre-fieldwork phase showing aerial photo interpretation (a) Photographs under stereoscope, (b) Overlay drawing, (c) Photo mosaic and (d) Final
product.
2.2. Fieldwork Phase
Field checking of photo-geological and geomorphologic
map units, re-interprets the aerial photos (if required) prepare
9
visual image interpretation of aerial photographs and
different types of satellite images like SPOT, Landsat,
IKONOS and topographic maps. Then photo interpretation
map of the city has prepared by using ArcGIS software. In
the field, these remotely sensed data/units (surface geology
and geomorphology) were checked by physical verification.
For more subsurface information, in-situ test were conducted
like digging pits, hand auger hole and geotechnical SPT
boring. After getting all these information from field
checking some units were changed or modified. In some
cases two or more units were merged into one unit or new
units were added after field examination by re-interpretation
of aerial photographs in the field. All the remotely sensed
data and field investigations of soils/rocks were blended
finally by GIS techniques to prepare final maps and reports.
2.1. Pre-fieldwork Phase
Preparation of photo-geological and geomorphologic map
based on the aerial photographs of 1953/54 (Figure 2).
Georeferencing of photo-geological and geomorphologic
map with some known coordinates from the topographic
sheets by using ArcGIS software. Compare this map with the
1973/74, 1983/84 years satellite images and recent IKONOS
images to delineate the changes in city boundaries, growth of
infrastructures and land use pattern, especially, land filling.
geomorphological map of the area. Make hand auger holes in
different geological units up to 3m or more and SPT bore
hole up to 30m to study the surface and sub-surface geology
of the area respectively and collect samples from different
10 Shahtaj Karim et al.: Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City Corporation Area-an Approach of
Remote Sensing and GIS Technique

soil/rock units for further test in the laboratory (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Fieldwork phase showing cross matching in field and sample collection (e) Auger technique (f) Sample collection and (g) Series of sample.

2.3. Post-fieldwork Phase

Prepare final geomorphological and geological maps in
GIS platform (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Post-fieldwork phase showing map preparation (h) Compare with
recent IKONOS, Google earth and (i) Final map preparation.
3. Results and Discussion
Physiographically Dhaka City is situated on the Madhupur
tract and is bounded by the Brahmaputra-Jamuna flood plain
in the northwest and southwest, Meghna flood plain in the
southeast and Old Brahmaputra flood plain in the northeast.
The city comprises a complex and mixed settings of land in
the central part of Bangladesh and covers both the Madhupur
Tract and Brahmaputra-Jamuna flood plain [18]. Dhaka city
occupies the southernmost limit of gently rolling Madhupur
Tract of the old Alluvium [19] and adjacent to Brahmaputra-
Jamuna flood plain. Madhupur tract cover most of the
mapped area and remains above the flood water during rainy
season. The area comprises high and low lands. Innumerable
gullies originate from the high lands which fall into a broad
valley. This valley is marshy. The drainage system of the area
is dendritic. All the gullies and streams join the flood plain of
Turag and Balu rivers. Levees are found along the Turag and
Balu rivers and remain above the flood water during rainy
season. The eastern part of the area has been intensely
dissected and formed numerous rounded and elongated low
hillocks. The western part of the area moderately dissected
by streams and formed incised drainage system. Numerous
depressions are found in and around Dhaka city.
3.1. Geomorphological Analyses
On the basis of landforms, its genesis, evolution and
morphodynamics the total area mapped into two broad
geomorphic units as Fluvio-tidal/Alluvial/Depositional
landforms and Erosional/Denudational landforms.
Depositional landforms have distinctive accretion features
and denudational landforms are characterized by different
types of erosional processes with distinctive erosion features.
Each type of landforms again divided into number of
geomorphic units (Figure 5).
3.1.1. Fluvio-tidal/Alluvial/Depositional
Landforms
The landform which is produced by lying down of rock
forming material by any natural agent is termed as
depositional landform. The study area consists of different
depositional units.
Meander channel unit shows dark gray tone with smooth
texture in aerial photographs which is distinguished by linear,
curved shape and wider in nature. The city is bounded by the
four meander channels, the Buriganga river in the south, the
Balu river in the east, Tungi khal in the north and the Turag
river in the west. Deposits are channel sand, silt and clay.
Natural levee appears light to medium gray tone with coarse
texture in aerial photographs. It is distinguished by its
elongated shape and their position along river. Natural levees
in general remain above the normal flood level and suitable
for human settlement. This unit is mainly present along the
Balu and Turag rivers. Important places like Manda,
Nandipara, Rajarbagh, Shampur, Munshigola, Balu Dhitpur,
Kahetpara, Demra, Nayagram, Mushihati, Sultanganj and
Huzurpara are belonging to this unit. Deposits consist of
medium to fine sand and clayey silt.
In aerial photographs, point bar show light gray tone and
smooth texture. Some portions of the old bars or elevated
parts of bars are inhabitable and remain above normal flood
water level. Point bar is identified by its crescent or oval
shape and position (convex side) in river. This unit is situated
along the meandering river. Important single point bar named
as Kamrangir char present along the Buriganga River,
southwestern part of the city. Nurbagh, Muslimbagh,
 International Journal of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science 2019; 6(2): 7-16 11

Baragram, Nawabchar, and Dakuria are situated on this unit.
Deposits of this unit are mainly sand, silt and clay. Channel
bar shows light tone and smooth texture and notable by its
shape and position. Generally these bars remain above the
river water level but undergo in rainy season. Channel bars
are mainly found within the Turag river mainly around Uttar
Sonatengar area. This unit consists of sand and silt with clay.
Lateral bar also shows light gray tone with smooth texture
and identified by its elongated shape and position in river.
Lateral bars are found in the both sides of the Buriganga and
Balu rivers. Kaliganj, Khejurbag, Mirerbagh are as belong to
this unit. Sand and silt with clay are its main constitutes.

Figure 5. Geomorphological map of Dhaka City Corporation and surrounding areas.

Back swamp shows medium gray tone with blocky texture
and distinguished by poor drainage and their position within
the sides of two rivers. This unit is situated in the active flood
plain of the Turag and Balu rivers. Asulia, Bhatulia,
Snanghati, Talna, Baruna, Patira, Mastul, Uttar Khan and
Dumni are important places belonging back swamp. This unit
mainly consists of clay, silty clay and black organic clay. In
aerial photographs Swamp/depression shows dark gray tone
with smooth but sometimes patchy texture. Here drainage
pattern is irregular and density is coarse. Swamp/depressions
are scattered throughout the whole city area but mostly
present in the active flood plain of the Turag and Balu rivers
(Figure 6c). Part of Gulshan, Banani, Nikunja, Adabar,
Ramchandrapur, Garan Chatbari, Chandaibhog, Beraid,
Dumni, Satarkul and Suti Bhola are on depression. Clay,
organic clay, peaty clay and peat are found here.
Flood plain unit indicates medium gray tone with blocky
texture in aerial photographs and recognized by its position
12 Shahtaj Karim et al.: Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City Corporation Area-an Approach of
Remote Sensing and GIS Technique
(within two river) with medium to poor drainage density.
Southern part of the study area is mainly dominated by active
flood plain of the Turag and Balu rivers (Figure 6b, d). Areas
like Matuil, Payatia, Damripara, Kajla, Bagbari, Jatrabari,
Jurain, Danie, Paradogar, Dogar, Bamoil, Soralia, Demra and
Amalia are situated in flood plain. Main sediment types of
flood plain are silty clay, clay, organic clay and Peat.
Valley/abandoned channel unit shows light, medium gray to
Figure 6. Geomorphic units (a) Upper Madhupur Terrace, (b) Flood plain, (c) Swamp/depression and (d) Contact between Upper Madhupur Terrace and
flood plain of Dhaka city.
3.1.2. Erosional/Denudational Landforms
The landmass which is produced by the progressive
lowering of the earth surface by weathering, mass wasting
and transportation processes are termed as denudational
landform. Denudational units within the study area are-
Upper Madhupur Terrace is the reddish brown highly
oxidized sticky clay unit of the study area which shows dark
to medium gray tone and blocky texture in aerial photographs
(Figure 6a, 6d). This unit shows dendritic drainage pattern
and fine drainage density. Upper Madhupur unit is
distinguished by elevated isolated block land nature. This
unit is present in the northwestern to southwestern and
central part of the city area. Areas like Mirpur, Sinner tek,
Kurmitula, Dhanmondi and some parts of Mahammadpur,
Tejgaon, Uttara, Diabari and Hazaribagh belong to this unit.
Deposits are sticky clay and silty clay. Lower Madhupur is
the yellowish brown sticky clay unit of the study area
characterized by medium gray tone with coarse to blocky
texture. Here the channel pattern is dendritic and density is
also fine. This unit is comparatively less elevated isolated
block land than upper Madhupur unit which is present in the
northeastern to central part of the city area. Uttar Khan,
Muinnar tek, Subhner tek, Dakhin khan, Faydabad and some
parts of Badda, Khilgaon, Maghbazar, Kamlapur and
dark grey tone with smooth texture in aerial photographs and
illustrious by its linear shape and position between two
elevated Madhupur blocks. Important valley fill runs through
the central to northern part of the city area from Gulshan and
Banani lake to Tongi khal. Abandoned channels/valley fills
like Begunbari khal, Segunbagicha khal, Kalayanpur khal
etc. are also scattered throughout the whole city area.
Matijeel. The sediments are mainly clay and silty clay, sandy
clay to clayey sand and silty sand.
Madhupur slope is the portion which is found within two
blocks of Madhupur or between the Madhupur block and
depression is termed as slope in the study area. This unit
shows light gray to whitish tone and smooth texture in aerial
photographs. Drainage density within this block is fine and
probable rock type is mainly eroded Madhupur clay i,e,
reddish brown to yellowish brown highly oxidized sticky
clay. Slopes are mainly found in the northwestern part of the
city area. Some parts of Uttara, Diabari, Garanchatbari,
Digun, Dhalipara, and some parts of Nayakhola symbolizes
Madhupur slope. Sediments are mainly sticky clay and silty
clay. Gully head unit is distinguished by its position i,e, edge
of Madhupur clay deposit which shows light gray tone and
smooth texture with dendritic channel pattern and coarse
density. Probable rock type of this unit is mainly eroded
Madhupur clay, silty clay and clayey silt. Gulley head are
scattered at the extreme upper part of the shallow alluvial
gullies in the Madhupur Terrace. Part of Begunbari Khal,
Shahjahanpur, Choudhiri para, some parts of Banani and
Mahakhali, some parts of Shamoli, Kallanpur, Adabar,
Paikpara and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Rampura, Abdullahpur
and Khilkhet are located on gully head. Sediments are mainly
 International Journal of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science 2019; 6(2): 7-16 13

sticky clay and silty clay.

Table 1. Geomorphic Units of Dhaka City and Their Characteristics.

Sl. Drainage Drainage

Mapping units Tone Texture Probable rock type Remarks/distinguishing feature
No pattern density
1 Meander channel Dark gray Smooth Meandering - Sand, silt and clay Linear, curved and wider shape
Light to Medium to fine sand, silt
2 Natural levee Coarse - - Elongated shape along river
medium gray with clay
Smooth
3 Point bar Light gray - - Sand, silt with clay Crescent or oval shape
to patchy
Smooth
4 Channel bar Light gray - - Sand, silt with clay Elongated and within the channel
to patchy
Smooth
5 Lateral bar Light gray - - Sand, silt with clay Elongated and beside the channel
to patchy
Medium to Medium Clay, organic clay, peaty Bowl shaped tone and rock types
6 Back swamp Smooth Irregular
dark grey to coarse clay and peat distinctive
Swamp/ Clay, organic clay, peaty
7 Dark gray Smooth Irregular Coarse Most deepest part of the area
depression clay and peat
Silty clay, clay, organic Poorly drained and its position (within
8 Flood plain Medium gray Blocky - Medium
clay and peat two river)
Shallow alluvial Light to Clay and organic clay
9 Smooth Dendritic Coarse Middle part of the gully
gully medium gray deposits
Deep alluvial Clay and organic clay
10 Dark gray Smooth Dendritic Coarse Inner part of the gully
gully deposits
Valley/abandone Light to Clay and organic clay Linear shape and its position within
11 Smooth - -
d channel medium gray deposits two elevated blocks
Upper Madhupur Dark to
12 Blocky Dendritic Fine Clayey silt and silty clay Elevated isolated block land
Terrace medium gray
Lower Madhupur Coarse to Comparatively less elevated isolated
13 Medium gray Dendritic Fine Clayey silt and silty clay
Terrace blocky block land
Its position within the two blocks of
14 Madhupur slope Light gray Smooth - Fine Eroded Madhupur clay Madhupur/ within Madhupur block
and depressions
15 Gully head Light gray Smooth Dendritic Coarse Silty clay and clayey silt Outer most part of the gully

towards the contact of the levee with other unit boundaries.

3.2. Geological Analyses
Broadly the area is classified into two geologic formations
Holocene deposits and Pleistocene deposits. Each broad
geologic formation again divided into number of geologic
units on the basis of geomorphological appearance and
sediment characteristics gathered through auger hole and SPT
bore logs; distributed over different geological and
geomorphological units (Figure 7). Holocene deposits are
further classified into flood plain deposits-includes natural
levee deposits, bar deposits, point bar deposits, back swamp
deposits, swamp/depression deposits, flood plain deposits
and valley fill deposits. On the other hand slope/alluvial
deposits-includes deep alluvial gully deposits and shallow
alluvial gully deposits. Pleistocene deposits are mainly
termed as Madhupur Clay deposits-includes upper Madhupur
Clay deposits, lower Madhupur Clay deposits, Madhupur
slope deposits and gully head deposits.
3.2.1. Holocene Deposits
The main sediment constituents of natural levee deposits
are silty clay, sandy silt and medium to fine sand. The upper
sediment consists of medium dark gray (N4) silty clay.
Below this layer compact light gray (N7) sandy silt and
greenish gray (5GY6/1) medium to fine sand are present.
This unit is more elevated than its surrounding areas. The
deposits are thickest at the channel bank and pinch out
Natural levees are well developed along the south of the Balu
and the Shitalakha rivers and ill developed along the south of
the Buriganga river.
Bar deposits includes channel bar and lateral bar deposits.
This unit mainly consists of clayey silt, silty clay, very fine to
fine sand and medium sand. On the top of the bar, light olive
gray (5Y6/1) clayey silt and beneath this layer light gray
(N7) silty clay is present. After this layer light olive gray
(5Y6/1) very fine sand to light gray (5Y8/1) fine sand are
found. This sand layer is highly micaceous with iron content.
Sometimes the color of fine sand becomes dark greenish gray
(5GY4/1). Bottom part of the bar deposits display light gray
(N7) medium sand with some brownish black (5YR2/1)
organic clay layer. Lamination and flaser bedding structures
are found within this unit. This deposit consists of alteration
of silty clay and very fine sand.
Point bar deposit unit mainly consists of very fine to fine
sand with occasionally silty clay and clay. Sand is light olive
gray (5Y6/1) to dark greenish gray (5GY4/1) in color. Thin
light gray (N7) silty clay and clay layers present within the
sands as flaser bedding. Micas, quartz pebbles and iron
concretions having (2-5mm) diameters are also present. In
some places sand is highly micaceous.
Back swamp deposit mainly consists of clay, silty clay and
black organic clay. The upper 0.5m is olive gray (5Y3/2) to
moderate gray (5YR8/4) sticky clay and presence of rootlets
14 Shahtaj Karim et al.: Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City Corporation Area-an Approach of
Remote Sensing and GIS Technique

and organic matter are common. Below this layer medium
dark gray (N4) silty clay and alteration of black (N1) organic
sticky clay are found. It is characterized by presence of
oxidized layer.
Clay, silty clay, organic clay and peaty clay/peat is the
main depository constituents of swamp/depression unit. The
clays are mainly dark gray (N3) to very light gray (N8) color
soft clay and greenish gray (5GY4/8) silty clay. A few
patches of reddish to yellowish-brown silty clay with orange-
red mottling are sporadically present. Generally two layers of
dusky brown (5YR2/2) peat/peaty clay and black (N1)
organic clay are found. These peat containing fibers from
decomposed and partially decomposed wood fragments
which are spongy, medium to light weight and loose compact
in nature. Organic clay is gradually increasing with depth. It
is characterized by absence of oxidation layer.
Undecomposed and partly decomposed organic matter, root,
rootlets and leaves are also found.

Figure 7. Geological map of Dhaka City Corporation and surrounding areas.

 International Journal of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science 2019; 6(2): 7-16
Flood plain deposits unit mainly consists of sticky clay,
clayey silt, dark greenish gray silty clay and organic matter.
At the top of the layer contains greenish gray (5GY6/1) to
pale yellowish orange (10YR8/6) sticky clay. Below this
layer, light olive gray (5Y5/2) to pale yellowish brown
(10YR6/2) clayey silt are present. Within this layer thin
greenish gray (5GY6/1) hard clay layer is found. Lower part
of this layer consists of dark greenish gray (5G4/1) silty clay
with laminated light gray (N7) clay. Some ferruginous
nodules and manganese (black) spots are also present.
Presence of oxidized root, rootlets and organic matter are
common which decreases with depth. But in greater depth at
Matuail (29.5m) organic matter is also found.
Valley fill deposits unit consists of silty clay, clay, organic
clay and peat which are situated below the near surface.
Upper part consists of dark yellowish orange (10YR6/6) to
light olive brown (5Y5/6) silty clay. Beneath this layer pale
yellowish orange (10YR8/6) clay and medium gray (N5) silty
clay is present. Thick layers of black (N1) organic clay and
peat are common at the bottom portion of this deposit. Partly
decomposed and broken shells and organic matters are
common. Lenses of silt and very fine sand interbedded with
clay are found at some places. This unit was used to drain out
water to lower areas of the city area in the past.
The deep alluvial gully deposits are consisting of clay, silty
clay, organic clay, peaty clay and peat. At the top of the
deposits there is dark gray (N3) to very light gray (N8) soft
clay with dark gray (N3) silty clay. Below this layer, dusky
brown (5YR2/2) organic clay, peaty clay and peat are found
as main sediment types. The thickness of peaty clay and peat
increases towards the back swamps and depressions.
The main sediments constituting of shallow alluvial gully
deposits are clay, silty clay and organic clay. Upper part of
this unit is medium light gray (N6) to very light gray (N8)
soft clay with dark gray (N3) silty clay mostly eroded and
redeposit from adjacent Madhupur Terraces. Lower part of
this unit composed of clay and dusky brown (5YR2/2)
organic clay.
3.2.2. Pleistocene Deposits
Upper Madhupur Clay deposits mainly consist of sticky
clay and silty clay. Upper portion of this unit contain
Figure 8. Urban growth of Dhaka city over time.
Rapid expansion of Dhaka city is a growing need of the
era which encouraging people to construct new and
multistoried structures without considering sub-surface
15
moderate reddish brown (10R4/6) to pale yellowish orange
(10YR8/6) sticky clay. Below this, thin layer of grayish
orange (10YR7/4) sticky clay and light olive brown (5Y5/6)
with dark yellowish orange (10YR6/6) silty clay are found at
the basal part. Characteristics of this unit are highly
weathered and oxidized. Presence of ferruginous nodules and
manganese (black) spots and pipe steams are very common
in this unit which decreases with depth. The sediments are
highly compacted, medium plastic. The average thickness of
this unit is about 8 meters. This unit is probably residual
deposit.
The sediments of lower Madhupur Clay deposits are
mainly clay and silty clay, sandy clay to clayey sand and silty
sand. At the top of the layer contains pale yellowish orange
(10YR8/6) to pale yellowish brown (10YR6/2) sticky clay.
Lower part of this unit contain dark yellowish orange
(10YR6/6) to light olive gray (5Y6/1) silty clay with sand
and mica. Some ferruginous nodules and manganese (black)
spots are also present. Amount of weathering and oxidation
are less than upper Madhupur clay unit. Secondary, light
bluish gray (N7) sticky clay is deposited along fractures and
pipe steams. This unit is overlying on Dupi Tila Formation.
Madhupur slope deposits are mainly contain pale
yellowish brown (10YR8/2) sticky clay with greenish gray
(5GY6/1) clay and moderate brown (5YR5/4) to medium
dark gray (N4) silty clay. This unit also contains ferruginous
rounded concretions and manganese (Black) spots. The color
of concretion is light brown (5YR5/6) to light olive gray
(5Y6/1) and size ranges (0-4mm).
The sediments of gully head deposits consist of pale
yellowish brown (10YR8/2) sticky clay with greenish gray
(5GY6/1) clay and moderate brown (5YR5/4) to medium
dark gray (N4) silty clay.
4. Conclusions
Dhaka City is broadly divided into two geomorphic units,
the elevated Madhupur Terrace and the adjacent low lying
flood plain. Rising demand of the city are considering low
lying flood plain and depression areas for further
development nowadays (Figure 8).
geology day after day. To congregate this necessity following
steps are recommended to reduce the hazards for better and
safe urbanization.
16 Shahtaj Karim et al.: Geomorphology and Geology of the Dhaka City Corporation Area-an Approach of
Remote Sensing and GIS Technique
1. Prior to urbanization surface geomorphology and sub-
surface geology should have consider for further
expansion (both vertical and horizontal).
2. The presence of alternating change of geologic
materials and high variability of lithology with depth
and lateral extent, it is not sufficient to rely on surface
information to deduce stability of engineered structures.
3. Appropriate ground improvement techniques should be
used to improve the ground area in case of construction
in low lying flood plain and depression areas.
4. Care should be taken for optimum natural drainage
systems. Sufficient passageway should be kept to flow
water during excessive rainfall and flood.
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