Appraisal of Tectonic‐Geomorphic Features in the Hindu Kush‐ Himalayas

Abstract The appraisal of tectonic‐geomorphic features is the basis for the development and management of land, the selection of road routes, and the site selection and construction process of hydropower projects. However, properly evaluating tectonic‐geomorphic features and revealing the relationships among geomorphic evolution, landslides, and tectonic activity remain major challenges in geography and geomorphology. We take the core area of the planned Diamer‐Bhasha Dam as a study area. On the strength of digital elevation models (DEMs), geomorphic indices are extracted to evaluate the tectonic activity and geomorphic evolution. Landslide cataloging by field investigation is used to reveal the relationships between geomorphic evolution, landslides, and tectonic activity. We found that the tectonic activity and geomorphic evolution of the sub‐basin where the Diamer‐Bhasha Dam is planned and the sub‐basin along the Indus are in the stable and old stage, respectively. In contrast, the tectonic‐geomorphic features in the marginal sub‐basins far from the Indus are still active. The correlations among lithology, AF, Vf, HI, SL, and landslide indicate that tectonic activity can influence geomorphic evolution and induce landslides, whereas changes in lithology do not. In addition, landslides can exacerbate geomorphic evolution.