Hydrogeological framework of the Deccan basalt groundwater systems, west-central India

Abstract

Deccan basalts of west-central India are hydrogeologically inhomogeneous rocks. A proper understanding of the physical framework of the basalts within which groundwater resides and moves is a key to the hydrogeology of these rocks. Two types of basalt, the vesicular amygdaloidal basalt and the compact basalt, occur as alternate layers in the volcanic pile. Although the rocks are generally inhomogeneous, structures in the basalt, such as sheet joints and vertical joints, serve as zones of groundwater flow. In the shallow subsurface, two groundwater systems are operative. Groundwater system A consists of a vesicular amygdaloidal basalt underlain by a compact basalt, whereas groundwater system B consists of a vesicular amygdaloidal basalt overlain by a compact basalt. Groundwater system A has a better developed network of openings and, as a consequence, this system has a higher transmissivity and storage coefficient than groundwater system B. Wells tapping groundwater system A have higher yields on average and irrigate more hectares of cropland than do wells tapping groundwater system B. This simple systems concept offers a practical methodology for understanding the geometry of the physical framework that contains groundwater in the Deccan basalts. The efficacy of the concept is in its widespread utility for the region. The concept may also be extrapolated to help understand the hydrogeology of deeper Deccan basalt groundwater systems.