The paleotopography represents the pre-occupation topography as it may have existed about 5000 years ago. There may be some areas in the paleotopographic model that may not represent the actual paleotopography, but rather subsequent anthropogenic influences (perhaps by the ancient Harappans). This representation of the paleotopography is presented at 2.75 times vertical exaggeration to show the relatively subtle topography of the ancient River Ravi floodplain.
It can be seen that there are two topographically high areas in the pre-occupation terrain. These represent the initial occupation site in the northwestern comer of Mound E and a hypothesized topographic high beneath the current site of the modern Harappa town. Both of these areas are probably composed of point bar deposits, which are topographic highs in a meandering stream environment. A meander channel of the ancient River Ravi is shown migrating to the south of the initial occupation site with another shallow channel (a chute channel) separating this topographic high from the one beneath modern Harappa It is possible that the main meander channel (south) could later have been abandoned, forming an oxbow lake. Fine-grained lacustrine deposits (silts and clays) could have been subsequendy deposited in this feature, creating a ready source of clay for brick works. This scenario is supported by evidence of possible ancient resource excavation directly south of Mound E.