Why do Gangetic rivers aggrade or degrade?

Abstract

The rivers draining the Gangetic plains exhibit remarkable geomorphic diversity, and this has consequently characterized the rivers to be dominantly aggradational in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) and degradational in the Western Gangetic Plains. We suggest that steam power and sediment supply are the two main fluvial parameters which govern the aggradation or degradation in river systems which, in turn, are controlled by inherent catchment parameters such as rainfall and tectonics. The aggradation/degradation behaviour strongly influences major fluvial processes such as channel avulsions and flooding and therefore has wide ranging implications for river management projects in the country.