Groundwater Prospect Map Research Articles

Applicability of generalized additive model in groundwater potential modelling and comparison its performance by bivariate statistical methods

Groundwater is the most valuable natural resource in arid areas. Therefore, any attempt to investigate potential zones of groundwater for further management of water supply is necessary. Hence, many researchers have worked on this subject all around the world. On the other hand, the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) has been applied to environmental and ecological modelling, but its applicability to other kinds of predictive modelling such as groundwater potential mapping has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of GAM model and then its comparison with three popular GIS-based bivariate statistical methods, namely Frequency Ratio (FR), Statistical Index (SI) and Weight-of-Evidence (WOE) for producing groundwater spring potential map (GSPM) in Lorestan Province Iran. To achieve this, out of 6439 existed springs, 4291 spring locations were selected for training phase and the remaining 2147 springs for model evaluation. Next, the thematic layers of 12 effective spring parameters including altitude, plan curvature, slope angle, slope aspect, drainage density, distance from rivers, topographic wetness index, fault density, distance from fault, lithology, soil and land use/land cover were mapped and integrated using the ArcGIS 10.2 software to generate a groundwater prospect map using mentioned approaches. The produced GSPMs were then classified into four distinct groundwater potential zones, namely low, moderate, high and very high classes. The results of the analysis were finally validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve technique. The results indicated that out of four models, SI is superior (prediction accuracy of 85.4%) following by FR, GAM and WOE, respectively (prediction accuracy of 83.7, 77 and 76.3%). The result of groundwater spring potential map is helpful as a guide for engineers in water resources management and land use planning in order to select suitable areas to implement development schemes and also government entities.

Groundwater potentiality mapping of hard-rock terrain in arid regions using geospatial modelling: example from Wadi Feiran basin, South Sinai, Egypt

Identifying a good site for groundwater exploitation in hard-rock terrains is a challenging task. In Sinai, Egypt, groundwater is the only source of water for local inhabitants. Interpretation of satellite data for delineation of lithological units and weathered zones, and for mapping of lineament density and their trends, provides a valuable aid for the location of groundwater promising areas. Complex deformational histories of the wide range of lithological formations add to the difficulty. Groundwater prospect mapping is a systematic approach that considers the major controlling factors which influence the aquifer and quality of groundwater. The presented study aims to delineate, identify, model and map groundwater potential zones in arid South Sinai using remote sensing data and a geographic information system (GIS) to prepare various hydromorphogeological thematic maps such as maps of slope, drainage density, lithology, landforms, structural lineaments, rainfall intensity and plan curvature. The controlling-factor thematic maps are each allocated a fixed score and weight, computed by using a linear equation approach. Furthermore, each weighted thematic map is statistically computed to yield a groundwater potential zone map of the study area. The groundwater potential zones thus obtained were divided into five categories (very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good) and were validated using the relation between the zone and the spatial distribution of productive wells and of previous geophysical investigations from a literature review. The results show the groundwater potential zones in the study area, and create awareness for better planning and management of groundwater resources.

Groundwater resource exploration in Salem district, Tamil Nadu using GIS and remote sensing

Since last decade, the value per barrel of potable groundwater has outpaced the value of a barrel of oil in many areas of the world. Hence, proper assessment of groundwater potential and management practices are the needs of the day. Establishing relationship between remote sensing data and hydrologic phenomenon can maximize the efficiency of water resources development projects. Present study focuses on groundwater potential assessment in Salem district, Tamil Nadu to investigate groundwater resource potential. At the same, all thematic layers important from ground water occurrence and movement point of view were digitized and integrated in the GIS environment. The weights of different parameters/themes were computed using weighed index overlay analysis (WIOA), analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy logic technique. Through this integrated GIS analysis, groundwater prospect map of the study area was prepared qualitatively. Field verification at observation wells was used to verify identified potential zones and depth of water measured at observation wells. Generated map from weighed overlay using AHP performed very well in predicting the groundwater surface and hence this methodology proves to be a promising tool for future.

Evaluation of GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis and probabilistic modeling for exploring groundwater prospects

Quantification of groundwater resources is indispensable for developing an efficient strategy for sustainable groundwater management. Integration of remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) techniques with multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) has emerged as a powerful tool for the economical and rapid assessment of groundwater resources at a macroscale. The main intent of this study is to evaluate the performance of two GIS-based approaches, namely MCDA as Approach I and probabilistic modeling as Approach II for groundwater prospecting. In Approach I, the thematic layers and their features relevant to groundwater prospect were extracted using RS and GIS, and appropriate weightages were assigned to individual layers and their features based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) scale. After the normalization of these weights, the selected thematic layers were integrated in the GIS environment to generate a groundwater prospect map. In Approach II, two probabilistic models, viz. frequency ratio (FR) and weight of evidence (WOE), were used. The FR and WOE probability values were calculated for each of the selected themes and then groundwater prospect maps were generated by overlaying the themes in GIS. The groundwater prospect maps thus obtained by the two approaches were classified into four distinct groundwater potential zones. These maps were verified using the available well-yield data. The verification results indicated that out of the AHP, FR and WOE techniques, the AHP technique is superior (prediction accuracy of 77 %) to the probabilistic models (FR and WOE), though the WOE model also performed reasonably well with a prediction accuracy of 73 %. It is concluded that for more reliable results, the AHP technique can be used for assessing groundwater potential in a given area/region. The findings of this study are useful for the cost-effective identification of suitable well locations as well as for the efficient planning and development of groundwater resources.

Application of Geoinformatics for the Delineation of Groundwater Prospects Zones- A Case Study for Melattur Grama Panchayat in Kerala, India

Delineation of groundwater prospect zones has been carried out using RS and GIS for Melattur Grama Panchayat in Malappuram district of Kerala. The spatial and non spatial database on various terrain features were generated using RS imageries, SOI toposheets, etc. Groundwater prospect zones were delineated through the integration of the reclassified raster map layers of geomorphology, slope percent, drainage buffer, geology, landuse/land cover and soil texture using the weighted overlay analysis in Arc-GIS. The groundwater prospects in the study area were grouped into five classes and their distribution are; ‘very good/ excellent’ (2.49%), ‘good’ (29.72%), ‘moderate’ (47.09%), ‘poor’ (13.64%) and ‘very poor/nil’ (0.47%). The result shows that the groundwater prospect ‘very good/ excellent’ is confined to only 2.49% of the study area, falls in valleys close to the higher order perennial streams. Major portion of the study area falls in the category ‘moderate’ followed by ‘good’. The study results have been verified with field data, the pre monsoon thickness of water column in wells. The overlay analysis of the spatial map of the pre monsoon thickness of water column in wells on groundwater prospect map shows a positive correlation, i.e. the pre monsoon thickness of water column in wells is found to be high in groundwater prospect zones ‘very good/excellent and good’, whereas it is very minimal or nil in ‘poor and very poor’ zones. The Groundwater prospect map of Melattur Grama Panchayat will be served as a base for further exploration using geophysical methods to locate potential well sites for the implementation of rural water supply schemes.

Analyses of optical images and radar data reveal structural features and predict groundwater accumulations in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt

The North African Sahara is currently dominated by arid to hyperarid climate. In the central part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, Wadi Matula is a dry stream course much like those in the rest of the Sahara. It covers an area of about 7,500 km2. Radarsat-1 images, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)/Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data revealed paleodrainage systems and fault/fracture zones. Its trends display cross-cutting relationships. Interrupted surface runoff connections are inferred from block movements, tectonic capture processes, diverted valleys, and paleodrainage. The movements of the blocks led to newly formed drainage and caused disturbances in drainage orientations, topography, fractures, and stream density. Paleodrainage and the more recent drainage lines are superposed on weakness zones of major fractures and faults. These zones facilitated the hydrologic processes that caused erosion and downcutting. The intersection points of paleochannel courses, fracture/fault systems, and active streams must have increased the possibilities of groundwater accumulations. Accordingly, several exploration wells are suggested, which they represent the best abstraction sites of groundwater potentials. These predicted sites are consistent with the high potential zone of the groundwater prospect map. Thick fluvial deposits support that past pluvial events recharged the underlying aquifers. It is concluded that locations of paleodrainage, fractures/faults, and stream intersections are the best sites for groundwater resources; thus, radar images are powerful tools for mapping multi-temporal near-surface features in arid regions.

Delineation of groundwater potential zone in hard rock terrain of India using remote sensing, geographical information system (GIS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques

The present study has been undertaken to delineate the groundwater potential zones in the hard rock terrain of Palamu district, Jharkhand using the advanced applications of remote sensing, geographical information systems and analytic hierarchy process techniques. The integration and analyses of various thematic databases viz., geomorphology, lithology, soil, slope, lineament density, weathered zone thickness, drainage density and rainfall proved useful in the delineation of GWP zones. The study indicates that only 136 km2 of the study area exhibit excellent groundwater potential, 248 km2 has very good groundwater potential, whereas 36.89 and 38.23% are under poor and very poor groundwater potential zones, respectively. Hence, only a total of 11.6% of the area (490 km2) is classified as high to excellent groundwater potential. The final groundwater prospect map obtained was classified as excellent potential, very good potential, good potential, moderate potential, poor potential and very poor potential zone.

Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) in sustainable groundwater development, Imo River Basin Nigeria

There is proliferation of shallow substandard private water wells, poor distribution of public water wells, poor planning, and poor management of public wells in the Imo River basin Nigeria. Over 60% of water wells developed in the basin is either abortive or not functional. To investigate this, 110 vertical electric soundings (VES), 50 down-hole logs, and 44 pumping test data have been integrated into geographic information system (GIS) in this study. Map of 44 county areas of the basin was produced. Thematic maps showing mean values of water table, aquifer resistivity, aquifer thickness, and a groundwater prospect map of the basin in five potential areas were also produced. Correlating the GIS map with regional geologic map defined three groundwater prospect zones in the basin. Sustainable practices recommended are government-private partnership for public wells, and private-private partnership for private wells. Surface water development is recommended in zone 3, against groundwater development. Geophysics/GIS groundwater prospect model shows significant correlation with geology, confirming the effects of geology to groundwater development in the basin. Key words: Private/Public water wells, geophysics data, geographic information system (GIS) models, abortive wells, geology, sustainability.

Military aspects of hydrogeology: an introduction and overview

Abstract The military aspects of hydrogeology can be categorized into five main fields: the use of groundwater to provide a water supply for combatants and to sustain the infrastructure and defence establishments supporting them; the influence of near-surface water as a hazard affecting mobility, tunnelling and the placing and detection of mines; contamination arising from the testing, use and disposal of munitions and hazardous chemicals; training, research and technology transfer; and groundwater use as a potential source of conflict. In both World Wars, US and German forces were able to deploy trained hydrogeologists to address such problems, but the prevailing attitude to applied geology in Britain led to the use of only a few, talented individuals, who gained relevant experience as their military service progressed. Prior to World War II, existing techniques were generally adapted for military use. Significant advances were made in some fields, notably in the use of Norton tube wells (widely known as Abyssinian wells after their successful use in the Abyssinian War of 1867/1868) and in the development of groundwater prospect maps. Since 1945, the need for advice in specific military sectors, including vehicle mobility, explosive threat detection and hydrological forecasting, has resulted in the growth of a group of individuals who can rightly regard themselves as military hydrogeologists.

Aspects of German military geology and groundwater development in World War II

Abstract A uniformed geological organization was re-created within the German Army by the start of World War II and developed to comprise 40 centres or teams by 1943. Many specialist geotechnical maps and reports prepared by these military geologists have survived the war as part of the Heringen Collection; some remains in the USA, but other parts are in Germany, notably within the archives of the Bundeswehr Geoinformation Office. German armed forces made use of about 400 geologists in total during the conflict, mostly in the Army. Many of their tasks involved groundwater studies, some including the preparation of groundwater prospect maps. Temporary water supplies were set up during mobile campaigns by planning efficient use or enhancement of existing civilian resources, supplemented by driving shallow ‘Abyssinian’ tube wells, for example, in Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of SE England planned for September 1940 but ultimately cancelled. Sustainable long-term supplies in militarily occupied territory were achieved by rigorous data collection and programmes of well drilling, spring capture or percolation gallery construction, one example being on the Channel Islands between 1940 and 1945. Geophysics sometimes aided the geological and borehole studies that guided deployment of well-drilling teams, for example, in 1941/1942, to support German and Italian forces operational in North Africa.

Groundwater resource evaluation in the Gwalior area, India, using satellite data: an integrated geomorphological and geophysical approach

The ever increasing demand for freshwater and overexploitation of existing reserves has necessitated the search for new resources, particularly in hard-rock terrains where groundwater is a vital and sole source for drinking and other activities. A fast and cost effective way of groundwater exploration is the study and analysis of remote sensing data. In the present study, various geomorphic units in the drought-prone and hard-rock-dominated Gwalior area, India, were identified using satellite images and classified into four categories: poor, moderate, good and excellent groundwater prospect zones. The area was scanned through vertical electrical soundings for the corroboration of inferred categories. The borehole yield data corroborate the results. Geomorphological mapping through satellite images, coupled with electrical resistivity surveys, provided vital information about spatial and depth-wise variation of aquifers in the area. Groundwater prospect mapping gives a rational picture of subsurface water resources and is helpful in predictive groundwater resource management.

Harnessing earth observation (EO) capabilities in hydrogeology: an Indian perspective

Satellite remote sensing in conjunction with geographical information systems (GIS) offers great potential for water resources development and management (e.g., Bastiaanssen et al. 1999; Pietroniro and Prowse 2002). It will assist in the quantification of hydrologic parameters, in data collection and transmission to facilitate rapid analysis of various facets of water resources (Schultz and Engman 2000; Hoffmann 2005). However, utilization of remote sensing data by hydrologists is still rather low as the satellite sensors provide information restricted to a few centimeters below the Earth’s surface (Hoffmann 2005). Moreover, these datasets do not provide details of subsurface hydrology and also obscure the dynamic and minute information of the Earth’s surface due to the resolution limitations in both the spatial and temporal domain. Nevertheless, remote sensing has been used in many geological applications for the past few decades and as a high-end tool to address the surface mapping of the Earth (e.g., Erdelyi and Galfi 1988; Teeuw 1995; Schultz 2000; Navalgund 2002). It is being frequently applied for groundwater prospect mapping, snowmelt-runoff estimation, reservoir sedimentation assessment, studies on hydropower projects, assessment and monitoring of waterlogging and salinity in command areas (Jonna 1999). The extraction of hydrogeological parameters from multi-spectral satellite images and their interpretations in terms of groundwater potential, soil and water conservation and watershed development, has received great attention in India. This article highlights these experiences, including the present and future trends in satellite remote-sensing applications in India.

Prospecting ground water resources using RS-GIS—A case study from arid western rajasthan of India

In arid regions, inherent climatic conditions and adverse terrain condition pose perpetual shortage of water. The dominant aeolian topography conceals older geological formations making it difficult to infer prospects of ground water and tapping the same. A ground water prospect map has been prepared for a part of Jodhpur district in western Rajasthan through integrated analysis of four major controlling factors: geology, geomorphology, structure and hydrology. Through visual interpretation of satellite data and using Geographical Information System, twenty-five hydro-geomorphic units (prospect units) have been delineated and mapped. Potential of each prospect unit have been discussed in reference to hydro-geomorphic units, their influence and well inventory like well yield, water table level and quality of drinking water. 34 % of the area was classified to have high groundwater potential and 5.8 % area was classified into low potential categories. Most of the area (60.2 %) is of moderate ground water potential.

Use of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System in the delineation and characterization of ground water prospect zones

The present study was carried out to delineate and characterize ground water prospect zones using IRS-ID LISS-III geocoded data on 1:50,000 scale. The information on lithology, structure, geomorphology and hydrology were generated and integrated to prepare ground water prospect map for a region in western Rajasthan. The information on nature and type of aquifer, type of wells, depth range, yield range, success rate and sustainability were supplemented to form a good database for identification of favourable zone. Geographical Information system (GIS) was used to prepare database on the above layers, analysis of relationship and integrated map preparation. The study area has a complex geomorphology. The geology is dominated by rocks of post Delhi Intrusive and Quaternary sediments. On the basis of hydrogeology and geomorphic characteristics, four categories of ground water prospect zones: high, moderate, low and very low ere delineated. The high prospect zones are alluvial plains and valley fills mainly influenced by quaternary formations with yield expectation between 100-200 lpm. The moderate zone has pediment surfaces covered by shallow soil cover in addition to weathered and fractured aquifer material with expected yield of water between 50-100 lpm. The low potential zones mainly comprise inselbergs and rocky surface with expected discharge below 50 lpm. The very low prospect zones act as run-off generating zones.

Remote sensing techniques to locate ground water potential zones in upper Urmil River Basin, district Chhatarpur — Central India

In the present study efforts have been made to locate favourable zones for ground water targeting using IRS-USS-II data, Hydromorphogeological lineament, lineament density and ground water prospect maps have been prepared through visual interpretation of geocoded images on 1:50,000 scale and Survey of India topographical maps of the same scale. The resulting base line information has been integrated for evaluating ground water potential of mapping units. The alluvial plain, flood plain, infilled valley and deeply buried pediplain ace the prospective zones of ground water exploration and development. Fractures and faults parallel to drainage courses constitute priority zones for ground water targetting.