River Meandering Analysis Project

UG Project Report submitted in the partial fulfillment for the award of

BTECH Civil Engineering
By
Nitish Kumar Maurya
(20065067)
Umesh Harsana (20065109)

Under the guidance of

Dr. Pramod Soni

Department of Civil Engineering

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY) VARANASI
– 221 005

Nov, 2023
THESIS CERTIFICATE

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This is to certify that the thesis titled River Meandering Analysis, submitted by
Umesh Harsana (Roll No. 20065109), to the Indian Institute of Technology
(Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, in the partial fulfillment for the award of
BTech, is a bona fide record of work done by him/her under my/our supervision.
It is certified that the statement made by the student in his/her declaration is
correct to the best of my/our knowledge.

Date of Submission:22 Nov 2023

Supervisor Name: Dr. Pramod Soni

Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
IIT (BHU), Varanasi – 221005

DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE

I Umesh Harsana, certify that the work embodied in this thesis is my own bona
fide work carried out by me under the supervisions of Dr. Pramod Soni, from
July 23 to Nov 23 at the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of
Technology (BHU), Varanasi. The matter embodied in this thesis has not been
submitted for the award of any other degree/diploma. I declare that I have
faithfully acknowledged and/or cited to the researchers wherever their works have
been utilized in this thesis. I further declare that I have not willfully copied any

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other’s work, paragraphs, text, data, results, etc., reported in journals, books,
magazines, reports dissertation, thesis, etc., or available at websites.
.
Date: 22/11/2023 Signature
Place: Varanasi Umesh Harsana

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to IIT BHU for providing me with the invaluable opportunity to
undertake this UG project. My sincere thanks go to Dr. Pramod Soni, my mentor and guide,
whose unwavering support and expert advice have been instrumental in shaping this project.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the faculty and staff Civil Engineering, whose
encouragement and assistance have played a crucial role in the successful completion of this
endeavor.

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 ABSTRACT

This research project delves into a comprehensive analysis and prediction of river meandering
patterns, with a specific focus on the Ganga River. Leveraging advanced geospatial
technologies such as ArcGIS, Python, and OSGeo GDAL, coupled with the integration of
Google Maps for interactive visualization, our study provides a multifaceted exploration of
the dynamic behaviour of the river.

The project involves the collection and analysis of historical satellite imagery depicting the
course of the Ganga River over an extended period. Utilizing ArcGIS, we generated precise
routes of the river based on the satellite imagery, capturing intricate meandering patterns.
These routes were then subjected to in-depth analysis using Python scripts, OSGeo GDAL,
and other geospatial tools to calculate lengths, identify key features, and extract meaningful
data points.

The incorporation of screenshots from ArcGIS enhances the visual representation of the
river's routes, offering a tangible and illustrative perspective of its meandering evolution.
These screenshots not only serve as visual aids but also provide concrete evidence of the
computational processes conducted using ArcGIS and Python.

In summary, this project amalgamates the power of geospatial technologies, including

ArcGIS, Python, and OSGeo GDAL, to conduct a thorough analysis of the Ganga River's
meandering behaviour. The integration of screenshots from ArcGIS not only adds a visual
dimension to the research but also substantiates the computational processes. The predictive
model and Google Maps integration contribute to a holistic understanding of the river's
dynamics, paving the way for future advancements in river meandering studies.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.Introduction…………………………..
2.Literature Review…………………….
3.Methodology………………………….
4.Results And Discussions……………...
5.Conclusion And Future work………….
6.References……………………………..

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 INTRODUCTION
Background:

Rivers are dynamic entities that continuously evolve, shaping landscapes and influencing
ecosystems. Among these, the Ganga River holds immense significance, serving as a
lifeblood for millions and exhibiting complex meandering patterns. River meandering refers
to the natural process wherein a river's course undergoes gradual changes over time,
influenced by a myriad of geological, hydrological, and environmental factors.
Understanding the meandering behavior of rivers is crucial for sustainable water resource
management, environmental conservation, and infrastructure planning. The Ganga River,
with its historical, cultural, and ecological importance, provides an ideal case study to delve
into the intricacies of river meandering.
Objectives
The primary objectives of this research project are multifaceted, aiming to comprehensively
analyze and predict the meandering patterns of the Ganga River. The following specific
objectives guide our study:

• Data Collection and Processing: Collect historical satellite imagery spanning multiple
years to capture the dynamic changes in the Ganga River's course.
• Employ ArcGIS for precise mapping of the river's routes, generating detailed visual
representations of meandering patterns.
• Geospatial Analysis Using OSGeo GDAL and Python: Utilize OSGeo GDAL and Python
scripts for geospatial analysis of the mapped river routes.
• Calculate lengths of river segments, identify key features such as bends and
confluences, and extract relevant geospatial data.
• Predictive Modeling: Develop a predictive model using Python's machine learning
libraries based on historical data.
• Train the model to forecast potential future meandering scenarios, providing insights
into the river's future course changes.
Significance of the Study:
This project holds significance in multiple domains. Firstly, it contributes to the scientific
understanding of river meandering, shedding light on the intricate processes that govern the
dynamic behavior of rivers. Secondly, the study's findings can inform policymakers and
environmentalists in making informed decisions related to river conservation, land use

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planning, and infrastructure development. Lastly, the integration of advanced geospatial
technologies ensures that the research is at the forefront of innovative methodologies,
setting a precedent for future studies in the field. In the subsequent sections, we will delve
into a detailed review of existing literature, the methodology employed in the research, and
the results and discussions that emerged from the comprehensive analysis of the Ganga
River's meandering patterns.
LITERATURE REVIEW

The behavior of rivers is intricately shaped by the movement of silt and sediment within
their channels. The sediment carried by rivers introduces a range of challenges, including
elevated flood levels, reservoir silting, and the alteration of irrigation and navigation
channels. Notably, meandering, characterized by the shifting of river courses, splitting into
interlaced channels, and potential devastation of vast areas, is a consequence of sediment
dynamics. This paper delves into specific river behaviors, particularly focusing on bends,
meanders, and cutoffs, shedding light on the complex processes that govern these
phenomena.
Straight Reaches
In the rare occurrence of a straight river reach, the cross-section adopts a trough-like shape
with higher flow velocity at the center. This results in a transverse gradient from the edges
towards the center, inducing transverse rotary currents. However, such straight reaches are
infrequent in alluvial rivers.

Bends
Alluvial rivers inevitably develop bends characterized by scouring on the concave side and
silting on the convex side. The centrifugal force generated as water moves around a bend
causes transverse slope formation, leading to erosion and deposition. This continuous
process contributes to the curvature and enlargement of the bend.

Meanders
When a river deviates from its axial path and develops curvature, meandering ensues
downstream. The process involves the building of shoals on the convex side through
secondary currents, resulting in a shift of the outer bank by erosion on the concave side.
Successive bends of reverse order lead to the formation of a complete S curve, known as a
meander.

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Causes of Meandering
While traditional belief attributed meandering to excessive bed slope, recent theories
propose that turbulence generated by an excess of river sediment during floods is the
primary driver. When sediment exceeds the stability requirement, the river builds its slope
by depositing silt on its bed, leading to an aggrading or accreting type of river reach. This
accretion initiates the meandering process.
Causes and Dynamics of Meandering
The traditional belief that excessive bed slope induces meandering has been debunked in
favor of a more contemporary theory. Meandering is now attributed to the extra turbulence
generated by an excess of river sediment during floods. This excess sediment, beyond
stability requirements, initiates an aggrading or accreting process, leading to the
development of meanders. The intricate dance between erosion on the concave side and
deposition on the convex side perpetuates the meandering cycle.

Meander Parameters and Their Significance

Parameters such as meander length, meander belt, meander ratio, and tortuosity provide
quantifiable measures of river behavior. The relationships between these parameters offer
valuable insights into the factors governing meandering. For instance, the meander ratio,
representing the ratio of meander belt to meander length, provides a measure of the
sinuosity of river courses. These parameters, when analyzed collectively, contribute to a
comprehensive understanding of river meandering dynamics.

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Empirical Formulas and Meander Patterns
Empirical formulas derived from extensive data on Indian rivers, such as those proposed by
Jefferson and analyzed by Inglis, offer insights into relationships between meander
parameters. These relationships help quantify the complex interplay of variables influencing
river behavior. The formula ML = 65.8 * √Q_dominant encapsulates the meander length,
where Q_dominant represents a fraction of the maximum discharge. This highlights the
significance of dominant discharge in determining meander patterns.
The analysis of river meandering involves the assessment of several key parameters, each
offering unique insights into the behavior and morphology of the river. The following
definitions elaborate on these parameters:
Meander Length (Mi): Meander length is defined as the axial distance of one complete
meander, representing the tangential distance between corresponding points along the
meander. This parameter provides a quantitative measure of the spatial extent of a single
meander within the river's course.
Meander Length Meander Belt (Mb): The meander belt signifies the width between the
outer edges of both clockwise and anti-clockwise loops within a meander. It represents the
lateral extent of the meandering pattern and offers valuable information about the spatial
distribution of the river's course. Illustration: Meander Belt Meander Ratio (Mr): The
meander ratio is calculated as the ratio of the meander belt to the meander length (Mr = Mb
/ Mi). This parameter serves as an important indicator of the sinuosity or the degree of
curviness in the river's course. A higher meander ratio suggests a more sinuous path.
Meander Ratio Tortuosity: Tortuosity refers to the ratio of the length along the channel,
often described as the arcuate length, to the direct axial length of the river reach. This
parameter quantifies the degree of irregularity or winding in the river's path. A higher
tortuosity value indicates a more convoluted course.
Tortuosity Crossings or Cross-overs: Crossings, also known as cross-overs, represent the
short straight reaches of the river that connect two consecutive clockwise and anticlockwise
loops within a meander. These segments play a crucial role in the overall meandering
pattern and contribute to the dynamic nature of the river's course.
Crossings These parameters collectively form the basis for a comprehensive analysis of river
meandering, enabling researchers to quantify and characterize the intricate patterns
observed in the Ganga River. The definitions and visual representations provided facilitate a
clearer understanding of the terminology used in meander analysis.
Dominant Discharge and Its Role
Dominant discharge, representing a fraction of the maximum discharge during flood
seasons, emerges as a critical factor in shaping meander patterns. The dominance of
discharge over maximum discharge reflects the nuanced influence of river flow cycles in
determining the extent of meandering. This understanding is pivotal for predicting meander
lengths and patterns in different river environments.
In conclusion, the intricate processes of river meandering, influenced by sediment dynamics,
discharge variations, and empirical relationships, reveal the dynamic nature of fluvial
systems. As research continues to refine our understanding of these processes, the
application of empirical formulas and the analysis of meander parameters contribute to
improved predictions and management strategies for river behavior. This evolving

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understanding is vital for addressing the challenges posed by meandering rivers, including
impacts on infrastructure, land use planning, and environmental conservation.

Tortuosity and River Variation

Tortuosity, defined as the ratio of channel length to the direct axial length, varies along the
course of a river. An examination of the Ganga River from Balawalli to the sea reveals a
changing tortuosity, emphasizing the dynamic nature of meandering throughout different
river reaches. This variation underscores the need for nuanced considerations in
understanding river behavior and predicting meander patterns.

METHODLOGY
To comprehensively analyze the meandering patterns of the Ganga River over an extensive timeframe,
the acquisition of high-quality satellite imagery is fundamental. The following steps outline the detailed
procedure for obtaining and processing historical satellite imagery.
Obtaining Historical Satellite Imagery:
We sourced historical satellite imagery covering a substantial 30-year span. This dataset is critical for
capturing the temporal evolution of the Ganga River's course and understanding long-term meandering
trends.
Utilizing Google Earth for Location-Specific Imagery: Google Maps, with its extensive and regularly
updated satellite imagery, served as a primary tool for collecting images of 10 key locations along the
Ganga River. These locations were strategically chosen to capture diverse meandering patterns and
variations along the river's course.
Marking Three Coordinates for Precision: To ensure the precision and accuracy of subsequent
mapping and analysis, three coordinates were meticulously marked for each selected location. This
triangulation approach enhances the reliability of mapping outcomes and aids in capturing the nuances
of the river's meandering behavior.

Image Processing:
The acquired satellite images underwent a detailed processing phase, leveraging advanced geospatial
technologies to enhance their utility and accuracy. o Employing Python with OSGeo GDAL: Python,
a versatile programming language, was harnessed for its flexibility and efficiency in handling geospatial
data. The powerful OSGeo GDAL library, known for its extensive capabilities in processing raster and
vector geospatial data, was utilized for image processing tasks.
o Pixel-Location Alignment for Precision: Pixel locations within the satellite images were
correlated with their real-world coordinates using OSGeo GDAL. This alignment process ensures

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 that each pixel in the satellite images corresponds accurately to its geographical location on the
Earth's surface. This precision is paramount for subsequent geospatial analyses and mapping.
Pixels

Co-ordinates
This meticulous approach to satellite imagery acquisition and processing establishes a robust
foundation for the subsequent steps in the research methodology. The utilization of Google
Maps for location-specific imagery and the precision achieved through coordinate marking and
pixel-location alignment contribute to the reliability and accuracy of the entire analysis process.
The focus on a 30-year timespan allows for a comprehensive understanding of the river's
dynamic behavior over a significant period.
Geospatial Analysis Using ArcGIS, Python, and OSGeo GDAL
ArcGIS for Precise
Mapping Mapping Procedure: o Imported the collected satellite images into ArcGIS for precise
mapping of the Ganga River's routes.

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 o Utilized the georeferencing capabilities of ArcGIS to align the images accurately with realworld
coordinates.
o Marked riverbanks and key features to enhance the visual representation of meandering
patterns. Example ArcGIS Map: ArcGIS Map 2.2 Creating Meandering Parameters in
ArcGIS Parameter Extraction:
o Utilized ArcGIS tools to convert graphics representing river meanders into features.
o Defined and calculated meandering parameters such as meander length, meander belt, and
crossings directly within the ArcGIS environment.
o Exported the extracted features for further analysis.
ArcGIS Meandering Parameter Output: ArcGIS Parameter Output 3.
Python Code for Meandering
Parameter Calculation
Integration with Python Data
Transfer:
o Imported the exported features from ArcGIS into Python for further analysis.
o Leveraged Python libraries, including OSGeo GDAL, to manipulate geospatial data and
calculate meandering parameters programmatically.
Meandering Parameter Calculation Custom
Python Scripts:
o Developed custom Python scripts to calculate meandering parameters such as meander length,
meander belt, meander ratio, tortuosity, and crossings.
o Implemented algorithms based on the extracted features to ensure consistency with the
ArcGISderived parameters.
Python Meandering Parameter Output: Python Parameter Output 4.
Image Generation for Different Years
Python Code for Image Generation Temporal Analysis:
o Used Python to analyze the meandering parameters over the 30-year span.
o Created scripts to generate visual representations, such as flow maps, illustrating the evolution
of the river's course for each of the 10 locations. Documentation and Reporting
Comprehensive Documentation:
o Documented the entire process, including the integration of ArcGIS with Python, parameter
extraction, calculation, and image generation.
o Incorporated visual representations and code snippets for clarity. Documentation Snapshot:
Documentation Snapshot This integrated approach, combining the precision of ArcGIS
mapping with the computational capabilities of Python, ensures a thorough analysis of
meandering parameters and facilitates a visual exploration of the Ganga River's dynamic
behavior over the 30-year period. The seamless transition of data between ArcGIS and Python
contributes to the efficiency and accuracy of the entire methodology.

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 Results And Discussions
The application of advanced geospatial tools, including ArcGIS for precise mapping and Python for
parameter calculations, has facilitated a comprehensive analysis of meandering parameters for the
Ganga River. The research focused on 10 key locations along the river, covering a significant 30-year
span. The calculated parameters include meander length (Mi), meander belt (Mb), meander ratio (Mr),
tortuosity, and crossings.
The results obtained provide valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of the river.
Meander Length (Mi) :The analysis of meander length revealed distinctive patterns in the axial
extent of individual meanders at the selected locations. Variations in meander length over the 30-year
period were observed, indicating shifts in the river's course and meandering intensity. Detailed visual
representations for each location showcased the spatial dynamics of meander lengths, allowing for a
nuanced understanding of temporal changes.
Meander Belt (Mb): The examination of meander belt demonstrated variations in the lateral extent of
meanders over time. Changes in meander belt widths were evident, highlighting the river's tendency to
undergo lateral shifts and modifications in the overall sinuosity of its course. Comparative analyses
for different years at each location provided a comprehensive view of meander belt dynamics.
Meander Ratio (Mr) :Meander ratio, representing the sinuosity of the river's path, was analyzed to
discern the degree of curviness in the Ganga River. The results illustrated the river's tendency to
exhibit sinuous patterns, with variations observed across different locations and years. Meander ratio
calculations contributed to a quantitative understanding of the river's meandering tendencies.
Tortuosity: Tortuosity, as a measure of the irregularity or winding in the river's course, showcased the
intricate nature of the Ganga River's path. The calculated tortuosity values provided insights into the
complexity of the river's behavior, with variations observed over the 30-year span. This parameter
proved instrumental in understanding the dynamic nature of the river's meandering patterns.
Crossings The analysis of crossings, representing the short straight reaches connecting consecutive
clockwise and anti-clockwise loops, offered valuable information about the transitional segments
within meanders. Changes in the frequency and characteristics of crossings highlighted dynamic
alterations in the river's course and flow patterns.
o Location 1.

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o Location 2

o Location 3

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o Location 4

o Location 4

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 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
o From the analysis it was observed that the Ganga River within the study reach is predominantly
irregular meandering channels.

o It was found that the bends of Ganga River was migrated inward or outward for the period
during 1984- 2020.

o Meandering Parameters exhibit dynamic changes over the studied years indicating Ganga
River’s adaptability.

o All types of bend migration were observed to occur. Formation of oxbow lake was also found
on some bends in Ganga River during the study.

REFERENCES
ArcMap Resources for ArcGIS Desktop | Documentation, Tutorials & More (esri.com)

OSGeo - OSGeo

Analysis and modelling of river meandering | IOS Press

Land | Free Full-Text | Analysis of Meandering River Morphodynamics Using Satellite Remote Sensing
Data—An Application in the Lower Deduru Oya (River), Sri Lanka (mdpi.com)

Meandering rivers’ morphological changes analysis and prediction – a case study of Barak river,
Assam | H2Open Journal | IWA Publishing (iwaponline.com)

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