Visual model of present day landform elaborating vegetation with
settlement
A visual model has been created to help explain the role of the modern
environment in urban to sub-urban reaches of a meandering river like the
Gomati in India (Figure 8). The model clearly shows that the northern
sub-urban area has clearly defined vegetation along the river flood
plain and agriculture extends far from the main channel. As a result,
the palynofacies associations primarily represent high levels of
degraded brown OM and low levels of opaque phytoclasts of woody remains
that were once part of higher plants. Low tree vegetation and higher
seasonal plants surround the flood plain when travelling from the urban
fringe to the sub-urban part. The majority of the flood plain has been
taken over by agricultural activities. Near the flood plain, there is a
concentration of people living in urban peripheral areas and
agricultural land is also abundant. This section demonstrates high
opaque phytoclasts with charcoal burnt remnants as proof of increased
human activity and agro-pastoral activity close to the river. In the
urban area, where the river channel is also occupied by human dwellings,
the high encroachment is readily visible. The prevalence of opaque
phytoclasts (burnt charcoal) and fungi makes it clear that human
activities like burning human remains and trash disposal operations
played a significant role in the meandering channel as a whole.