Hard Rock Terrain Research Articles

Geoinformatics based groundwater potential assessment in hard rock terrain of Ranchi urban environment, Jharkhand state (India) using MCDM–AHP techniques

The study was conducted to delineate the groundwater potential (GWP) zones and to analyze groundwater trend in Ranchi Urban Agglomeration (RUA), Jharkhand. Groundwater level (GWL) and its fluctuations were analyzed estimated by using time series regression and employing sum of least square method. The groundwater potential (GWP) zones were delineated using various terrain characteristics and modeled using analytical hierarchical process (AHP) in geographic information system (GIS) environment. The high rate of built-up growth (39.0%) and population growth (32.6%) enhanced the pressure over existing groundwater resources during 2001–2010. The hard rock formations and increasing urbanization retarded groundwater recharge in the region. The study revealed that the central parts are largely covered by built-up land (7.35%) and have very low GWP and also faced severe water crisis. The northern (17%), south-western parts (13%), southern (8.07%) and eastern (9.61%) parts have high to very high GWP with less groundwater fluctuation and shallow GWL resembling suitable site for future built-up development in view of groundwater resource availability. The groundwater condition suggested site specific methods to recharge and replenish groundwater within the urban milieu.

A geostatistical approach for delineating the potential groundwater recharge zones in the hard rock terrain of Tirunelveli taluk, Tamil Nadu, India

Groundwater recharge is an important process in hydrological water balancing where the conservational activity of both surface and subsurface water wealth is indispensable. The present geostatistical study deals with the identification of groundwater productive potential regions of Tirunelveli taluk in the Tirunelveli district of southern Tamil Nadu, India. The surface and subsurface morphological parameters such as geomorphology, lineament density, drainage density, topographic slope, land use/landcover, annual mean rainfall, soil, and subsurface geology were considered as groundwater influencing parameters and those are rejuvenated as thematic layers over the study area for inferring groundwater recharge potential regions. These thematic layers were extracted from the spatial and non-spatial datasets which were collected and downloaded from various sources. The satellite data products like LANDSAT-8, ASTER DEM, and existing published maps such as a geological map from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), topographic maps from Survey of India (SOI), and soil atlas from European digital archives are coming under spatial data categories. The non-spatial data of this study are daily rainfall data, monthly water level data, etc. In this study, the multi-criteria decision-making statistical analytical hierarchical process (AHP) methodology is utilized to achieve the layer weights. These weighted layers are reclassified by assigning ranks according to its relative importance, and those layers are mathematically overlaid for generating groundwater productive potential index map. The indexed groundwater recharge potential maps are reclassified into four classes such as very high, high, moderate, and low recharge potential region based on the cumulative score index (CSI) statistical approach and statistical information of the resultant index map. The net result reveals that around 104.25 km2 of the study area comes under the very high potential for groundwater infiltration region. The moderate and low potential regions are situated in the central and middle-eastern part of the study area which covers 49 % of the entire study area.

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.

Integrated approach of geospatial visualization and modeling for groundwater management in hard rock terrains in Nagpur Urban Area, India

Groundwater management requires complete visualization of aquifer characteristics to understand scientific aspects and hence remains a challenge, especially in hard rock terrains. In the present research paper, a comprehensive approach using 3D stratigraphic model, fence diagrams and numerical modeling has been proposed to understand the groundwater status for effective recharge. The stratigraphy, groundwater flow, and groundwater fluctuations for the period 1999–2010 were analyzed. The total volume of formations, volume of voids, storage capacity, and quantities of recharge of unconfined aquifer system in the Nagpur urban area were estimated. The steady state groundwater flow model of Basalt formation was calibrated to evaluate the subsurface system using Processing Modflow (PMWIN 5.3.2). The calibrated hydraulic head is compared with field observed head. The comparative spatial analysis presents a simple integrated approach in identifying zones with falling groundwater trends suitable for groundwater recharge in hard rock terrain in Nagpur urban area.

A study on the impact of weathering in groundwater chemistry of a hard rock aquifer

Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in hard rock terrain are mainly governed by lithology and land use practices. A study area near Madurai region of central Tamil Nadu was selected with various litho-units and a hard rock sedimentary contact with an unconformity. Land use practices in these regions are also varied with lithology. The study was conducted by collecting 54 groundwater samples spatially covering the major litho-units. Collected samples were analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, HCO3, NO3, H4SiO4, PO4, and SO4. The results of the samples analyzed found to vary spatially. Dominance of ion shows that the alkalies are predominant and HCO3 is the dominant anion. Piper facies show that the samples are alkali-carbonate type indicating the predominance of weathering. Most of the parameters exceed the drinking water permissible limit. Standard plots and statistical analysis also indicate weathering as the major process governing the hydrogeochemistry of the groundwater in the region. Relative mobility of cations indicates that the rate of liberation of alkalies from the lithology is more prominent.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Hard Rock Terrain in Kashipur Block, Purulia District, West Bengal, using Geospatial Techniques

The rapidly increasing need for water has put tremendous pressure on groundwater resources in areas where it is the prime source of water. The objective of this study is to delineate groundwater potential zone in Kashipur Block, Purulia district, West Bengal with dry climate and hard rock terrain. In the present study, groundwater potential zones for the assessment of groundwater availability in Kashipur Block of Purilia District, West Bengal, has been delineated using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Survey of India toposheets and IRS-1C—LISS III satellite imagery. They are used to prepare various thematic layers, e.g., hydrogeomorphology, slope and lineament density. The maps were then transformed to raster data using feature to raster converter tool of software like MicroImages TNT mips pro 2012. The raster maps of these factors are allocated to a fixed score and weight computed from multiinfluencing factor technique. Each weighted layer is statistically computed to get the groundwater potential zones. Weighted Index Overlay modeling technique was used to develop a groundwater potential zone map with three weighted and scored parameters. Although the area is characterized by hard rock, it has groundwater prospective zones due to fracturing, weathering and the presence of valley fills overlying a planation surface. The area has been categorized into four distinct zones- excellent, good, moderate and poor. Excellent groundwater potential zones constitute 1.5% of the total block area, good groundwater potential zones occupy majority of the block, covering approximately 53%, and the moderate potential zones occupy about 45% of the total block, poor potential zones occupy very small portion 0.5%. The results reveal that the modelling assessment method proposed in this study is an effective tool for deciphering groundwater potential zones for proper planning and management of groundwater resources in diverse hydrogeological terrains

Assessment of the Hydrogeochemistry of Groundwater Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis in Erode Taluk, Tamilnadu, India

The geochemistry of ground water in Erode Taluk, Cauvery River and hard rock terrain in Erode Taluk covers an area of about 752.61 km2 and has been investigated to understand the hydro-geochemistry of the area. The challenge was made to study using multivariate statistical analysis like Factor Analysis (FA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). 103 groundwater samples are collected from Erode Taluk, for the period of pre and post monsoon season were analyzed for various physicochemical factors such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Na+, Mg2+, HCO3−, Ca2+, CO32-, Cl−, SO42-, NO3−, F− and Fe2+ are determined. Hydro geochemical data for 103 groundwater samples were subjected to Q and R mode FA and CA. R and Q-mode analysis reveals that inter-relations between the variables and samples studied. The application of R-mode factor, however, has been more effective than the use of either one of them alone. The CA and Q-mode factor indicates that swap over between the surface water and the groundwater plays a dominant role in the hydro geochemical evolution of groundwater.

An Integrated Study to Assess the Groundwater Potential Zone Using Geospatial Tool in Salem District, South India

The present study reveals that the geospatial tool for delineating the groundwater potential zone in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, South India is quite useful. Assessing the ground water potential zone is very important for protecting and managing the groundwater system. The study area mostly consists of hard rock terrain especially in charnockite and fissile hornblende biotite Gneiss. There are four thematic layers were considered in this present study such as geology, geomorphology, drainage density, and lineament density. These four thematic layers were integrated for identify the groundwater potential zone. Therefore, five different groundwater potential zones were identified, which are very good, good, moderate, poor and very poor. These groundwater potential zones are covered by an area of 346 km2 , 2932 km2 , 666 km2 , 880 km2 and 406 km2 respectively. Finally, the present study concluded that the remote sensing and GIS is very fruitful and useful for the assessing the groundwater potential zones.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Benzo[H][1,6]Naphthyridine Derivatives

Groundwater is one of the main natural resources having its application in various fields which affects its quantity. Groundwater pollution occurs when used water is returned to the hydrological cycle. The present study aims to assess the spatial variations of groundwater quality parameters in Southern tip of Karnataka using Geoinformatics technique. Efforts have been made to evaluate a total number of 46 representative groundwater samples (C1 to C46) from different parts of the study area during pre-monsoon period (April-May 2005) to assess its parameters such as F- , NO3-, CO3-, Cl- , Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ , SO4 2-, Fe, K+ , pH and EC. Groundwater quality is found to be more controlled by rock-water interaction and residence time of water in aquifers and affected more by anthropogenic factors at many locations. Each Land Use/Land Cover (LU/LC) patterns and major lineaments are mapped and digitized using SoI topomap of 1:50,000 scale and IRS-1D, PAN+LISS-III satellite data through GIS software’s. Wide applications of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides in large agricultural and vegetative lands; mining activities are the major factors that are contaminating the soil and leaching through seepage, fractures, faults and joints (lineaments) into the groundwater. The study reveals the potentiality of Geoinformatics application in preparation of more consistent and accurate baseline information predicting the groundwater quality in Precambrian hard rock terrain of the study area.

GIS and Remote Sensing for Micro Level Augmentation of Groundwater Resources using WPR and CSI Techniques

The safe development of groundwater resource mainly depends upon the groundwater recharge. Artificial groundwater recharge is essential in terrains with low natural groundwater recharge. Here a groundwater augmentation plan is prepared for hard rock terrain of Panamarathupatti block, situated in southern part of Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) it is possible to take number of different thematic maps of the same area and overlay them on top of one another to form a new integrated layer. This study was aimed to identify the groundwater recharge potential zones, to be used for better and improved groundwater resources. The thematic layers considered in this study are lithology, slope, geomorphology, drainage density, transmissivity, Storativity and available space for recharge, which are prepared using satellite imagery and other conventional data. Each theme was assigned weights using a numerical weighted parameter rating (WPR) depending on its influence on ground water recharge. Each class or unit in the map was assigned a knowledge based ranking depending on its significance in storage and transmittance of groundwater, and these values were multiplied with layer weights using composite suitability index (CSI). The next step deals with classification of all these parameters into ‘suitable’ classes and assignment of ‘suitable’ ranks to these classes, and finally integration of all the ranked and weighed parameters in a GIS environment. Subsequently, the area is classified into different sites suitable for the artificial recharge zones. The final map shows different categories of suitability sites for construction of various groundwater recharge structures.

Mapping of groundwater potential zones in hard rock terrain using geoinformatics: a case of Kumari watershed in western part of West Bengal

Groundwater is one of the world’s most precious natural resources. But still now this valuable resource is largely unexploited for agricultural development in drought prone western region of West Bengal. In drought prone areas micro-watershed based development strategy may be considered as the best practice for integrated development. Keeping in view the above perspective, we select Kumari watershed of Purulia district, the westernmost and semi-arid district of West Bengal for better water resource management. Geologically the area consists of Chotanagpur granite gneiss complex while physiographically it is highly dissected pedimental landscape with lateritic upland and skeletal soil. As a result, cultivation of this area is predominantly mono-cropped and thus per hectare production is also low as compared to other regions of West Bengal. Supply of sufficient water resource in this region may offer more food security alternative to rain-fed subsistence farming. That’s why the present study has been carried out to evaluate the potential zones for groundwater targeting in Kumari watershed of Purulia district using an integrated remote sensing data, Survey of India topographical sheets and field verification. Hydro-geological features (geomorphological and geological units, slope, drainage density, lineaments density etc.) that influence groundwater occurrence were extracted and integrated to evaluate the hydro-geomorphological characteristics of the study area. Thematic maps of the extracted features were prepared with the help of ERDAS Imagine 9.0 and Arc-GIS 9.3 software. Weightage values were assigned to the different parameters according to their relative importance to groundwater potentiality and integrated through Geographic Information System environment. Finally on the basis of grid-wise theme weight and class weights the groundwater potential map was prepared by overlay the thematic layers.

Assessment of fluoride contaminations in groundwater of hard rock aquifers in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu (India)

The fluoride contamination in drinking water is already gone to the alarming level and it needs the immediate involvement and attention of all people to solve this problem. Fluoride problem is higher in hard rock terrains in worldwide and Madurai is such type of hard rock region. Totally 54 samples were collected from the Madurai district of Tamilnadu with respect to lithology. The samples collected were analysed for major cations and anions using standard procedures. The higher concentration of fluoride is noted in the Charnockite rock types of northern part of the study area. 20 % of samples are below 0.5 ppm and 6 % of samples are above 1.5 ppm exceeding the permissible limit. The affinity between the pH and fluoride ions in groundwater suggests that dissolution of fluoride bearing minerals in groundwater. The higher concentration of fluoride ions are observed in the lower EC concentration. The isotopic study suggests that fluoride is geogenic in nature. In factor scores, fluoride is noted in association with pH which indicates the dissolution process.

Groundwater targeting using remote sensing, geographical information system and analytical hierarchy process method in hard rock aquifer system, Karur district, Tamil Nadu, India

Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are potential tools for competent planning and administration of essential groundwater resources. In this study, a typical methodology is proposed to delineate groundwater target zones using integrated RS, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The developed methodology is confirmed by a case study in Karur district of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Seven thematic layers, viz., Lithology, Lineament Density, Geomorphology, Slope, Post– Monsoon Water Level, Drainage Density and Landuse/Land cover were considered in this study. Selected seven thematic layers and their features were assigned suitable weights on the Saaty’s scale according to their virtual significance in groundwater incidence. The assigned weights of the thematic layers and their features were then normalized by using AHP. Finally, the selected seven thematic maps were incorporated by weighted linear combination method in a GIS environment to produce a groundwater targeting map. Thus, five groundwater targeting zones were identified and demarcated in the study area, viz., ‘very good’, ‘good’, ‘moderate’, ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’. The groundwater targeting map was finally verified using the well discharge data and the result was found acceptable. The ultimate result depicts the favorable groundwater targeting zones in the study area and can be helpful in better planning and managing of groundwater resources particularly in hard rock terrains.

Coupling geomorphology parameters with lithology for micro-level groundwater resource assessment: a case study from semi-arid hard rock terrain in Tamil Nadu, India

The standard procedure of groundwater resource estimation in India till date is based on the specific yield parameters of each rock type (lithology) derived through pumping test analysis. Using the change in groundwater level, specific yield, and area of influence, groundwater storage change could be estimated. However, terrain conditions in the form of geomorphological variations have an important bearing on the net groundwater recharge. In this study, an attempt was made to use both lithology and geomorphology as input variables to estimate the recharge from different sources in each lithology unit influenced by the geomorphic conditions (lith-geom), season wise separately. The study provided a methodological approach for an evaluation of groundwater in a semi-arid hard rock terrain in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. While characterizing the gneissic rock, it was found that the geomorphologic variations in the gneissic rock due to weathering and deposition behaved differently with respect to aquifer recharge. The three different geomorphic units identified in gneissic rock (pediplain shallow weathered (PPS), pediplain moderate weathered (PPM), and buried pediplain moderate (BPM)) showed a significant variation in recharge conditions among themselves. It was found from the study that Peninsular gneiss gives a net recharge value of 0.13 m/year/unit area when considered as a single unit w.r.t. lithology, whereas the same area considered with lith-geom classes gives recharge values between 0.1 and 0.41 m/year presenting a different assessment. It is also found from this study that the stage of development (SOD) for each lith-geom unit in Peninsular gneiss varies from 168 to 230 %, whereas the SOD is 223 % for the lithology as a single unit.

Electrical Resistivity Survey and Shallow Subsurface Geological Study in Hard Rock Terrain, Southern India

Abstract The shallow sub-surface condition of the hard rock terrain is highly heterogeneous and it requires investigation of geology at close interval. The purpose of the present work is to interpret the shallow sub-surface geology to a limited depth (<100m) and to reveal the thickness of the various layers through electrical resistivity survey. In this context, the Nallampalli block located in Dharmapuri district, Southern India is selected. The area is mostly covered by gneissic and charnockitic rocks. In addition to resistivity survey, well inventory data was also collected from field investigations. The thickness of various sub-surface layers such as weathered zone, partially weathered zone, fractured zone and depth to bedrock were estimated. The estimated thickness and resistivity values were correlated with well inventory data. The average resistivity values for weathered, partially weathered, fractured and massive formations in the block are 55Ωm, 96Ωm, <303Ωm and >400Ωm respectively. The average depth to massive rock in the block is 38m below ground level (bgl). Remote sensing data were utilized to assess the sub-surface condition to a limited extent. The results obtained from the electrical resistivity survey and well inventory data have appreciable correlation.

Evaluation of hydrogeological factors and their relationship with seasonal water table fluctuation in Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, India

Due to rapid industrialization and increase in human population, there has been a tremendous pressure on the water resources. In hardrock terrain, the availability of groundwater is confined to fracture and weathered zones. In the present study, the study area is Dhanbad district of which most of the parts lie on hardrock terrain. In this study, an attempt has been made to relate the fluctuation of groundwater level with hydrogeological factors. The various hydrogeological factors that have been considered here which can affect the aquifer recharge are geomorphology, geological structures, geological formations, soil types, and elevation. These hydrogeological factors have been analyzed for 65 monitoring wells and frequency plots between different hydrogeological parameter classes, and water level fluctuation have been used to assess the relative impact of different hydrogeological subclasses on aquifer recharge. Further statistical analysis has been done for all hydrogeological parameters for each subclass based on mean, median, mode, and standard deviation values to further specify the relative effect of each subclass within different hydrogeological parameter. Based on the findings, it has been concluded that there is a definite relationship of surface topography, geology, geomorphology, soil, and elevation with recharge of aquifers based on their specific hydrogeological properties.

Delineation of infiltration characteristics within a watershed through integrated spatial analysis of parameters

Maharashtra state in India is a hard rock terrain with water scarcity being the most important issue. It is 80% covered by volcanic Deccan basalt and 20% by metamorphic rocks. Infiltration capacity plays an important role in recharging any aquifer. The basic aim of the present study is to estimate the infiltration values using traditional methods and to develop a simple spatial model to characterise the area into different infiltration classes. Remote sensing and a geographical information system (GIS) are used to integrate contributing factors affecting infiltration. Weights are derived after field verification and the spatial model has been developed using overlay analysis involving the contributing parameters. It is observed that presence of moderately dissected plateau and deep soil cover of sandy loam has good infiltration potential in WRWB-2 watershed, while in WGK-2 watershed has moderate infiltration potential owing to the presence of exposed quartzite which shows negative response to infiltration.

Water Resource Management in a Hard Rock Terrain for Sustaining Irrigated Agriculture — A Case Study of Jharkhand, India

Water Resource Management in a Hard Rock Terrain for Sustaining Irrigated Agriculture — A Case Study of Jharkhand, India

Groundwater Quality Analysis in Precambrian Rocks of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India Using Geo-informatics Technique

Water is the main source for domestic, engineering, industrial, agricultural and multipurpose uses which affects surface as well as groundwater quantity. The study area falls within the semiarid region and frequently facing water scarcity and quality problems. The present study generates the primary data to map the spatial variation of groundwater quality in Precambrian hard rock terrain of Chitradurga District through Geo-informatics technique. Efforts have been made to evaluate a total number of 50 representative groundwater samples (C1 to C50) collected in well points from different parts of the study area during pre-monsoon period (April-2012) to assess its parameters such as Fluoride (F-), Nitrate (NO3−), Carbonate (CO3-), Chloride (Cl-), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sodium (Na+), Sulphate (SO42−), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K+), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Potential of Hydrogen (pH) and Total Hardness (TH). Groundwater quality is found to be more controlled by rock-water interaction & residence time of water in aquifers and affected by both anthropogenic and geogenic factors at many locations. Each lithological units, water bodies, agricultural lands and major lineaments are mapped and digitized using IRS-1D, PAN+LISS-III satellite data through GIS software's to evaluate the possible contamination of groundwater quality by rock-water interactions, agro-chemicals and storage & movement of water. This study highlights the potentiality of Geo-informatics technique in preparation of more consistent and accurate baseline information predicting the groundwater quality in Precambrian hard rock terrain of the study area; which is a suitable model in similar geological conditions.

Geochemical Modeling of Groundwater in Chinnar River Basin: A Source Identification Perspective

Understanding the geochemical evolution of groundwater is an essential part of the performance assessment and safety analysis of the geological system. Geochemical modeling techniques using PHREEQCI will aid in demarcating the main factors and mechanisms controlling the chemistry of groundwater. An attempt has been made in hard rock terrain of Chinnar basin, Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu, India to interpret the processes and factors controlling hydrogeochemistry of groundwater. The area is made up of rock units belonging to Charnockite and Granitic Gneiss. Groundwater chemistry has been attempted based on laboratory observations of major cations like Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+and anions like Cl-, HCO3-, NO3-, F-, SO42-and PO43−. Piper diagram reveals higher bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium along the recharge zones and tend to decrease along the flow path and vice versa for ions like sodium, potassium and chloride. Two flow paths based on piper and saturation index were identified for two major lithounits. The granitic terrain shows precipitation of calcium and sulfate minerals and dissolution of silicate minerals. The charnockite terrain shows precipitation of silicates and dissolution of calcium and sulfate minerals. From initial to final solution slight variation in calcium and sulfate stability were identified but drastic change with reference to silicate minerals stability due to effective dissolution of silicate minerals from the litho units of the study area.