1. Quaternary Geomorphology in India: Concepts, Advances and Applications

This chapter deals with the critical review and summary of current advances and application of Quaternary geomorphology in Indian landscapes, specifically in the Lower Ganges Basin (LGB). Unfortunately, the LGB and Ganga–Brahmaputra Delta (GBD) perhaps are getting least attention by the practitioners of earth sciences and there is very little understanding of this Neogene–Quaternary morpho-stratigraphic unit from the perspectives of physical geography. Recently, the branch of Quaternary geomorphology has enough efficiency to analyse the Quaternary—Recent changes and records in the earth surfaces and the anthropogenic influence on the landforms and processes during recent times. Here, we have discussed and reviewed the key strengths of Quaternary geomorphology to re-explore the dynamic physical entities of the Ganges Basin, viz, Late Quaternary geomorphic, geological and climatic changes (e.g. palaeogeography, palaeoflood and fluvial response to climate, etc.), tectonic geomorphology (e.g. impact of active tectonics on the morphology of alluvial rivers and deltas, etc.), the links between fluvial processes and forms (e.g. variable fluvial regime and floodplain stratigraphy, channel shifting, fluvial geomorphology and arsenic contamination, gully erosion and sedimentation, etc.) and impact of anthropogenic activities on the rivers of LGB (e.g. embankment and bank erosion, dams and floods, groundwater contamination, etc.). The present volume, related to LGB, contains eleven significant chapters which are focused precisely on these above aspects using different geospatial techniques and quantitative analysis.