DEM BASED COMPUTATION OF TOPOGRAPHIC SURFACE ROUGHNESS TO REVEAL INCISION IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN,PAKISTAN

This research investigates interrelationship between landscape evolution and neotectonics in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region based on surface roughness (SR). We analyzed topographic features such as flat area, area ratio using Shuttle RadaTopographic Mission-Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM) with a spatial resolution of 90 meters. The objective is to make SR map identify areas influenced by neotectonics. DEM distribution slope gradients orientations along aspect were combined portray vertical dissection. Lower values dissection indicate relatively basins which generally mean intermediate gradient orientation. Areas high correspond sharp changes orientations, could be due abrupt scrap edges (possibly neotectonic or lithological control). Higher GB are wide spread oriented SE- NW Ghanche, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit northern Ghizer districts Karakorum, South Pamirs Hindu-Kush ranges. While few higher aligned NE- SW Diamir Raikot Fault. capable identifying deeply incised valleys, tectonic uplifts depressions.