Geoelectrical Survey for Evaluation of Groundwater Potential Within the Basaltic Terrain of Chikotra River Basin, Maharashtra (India)

Geoelectrical data was acquired using Wenner array over 23 sites with constant electrode separation of 70 m over Chikotra Basin, Dist. Kolhapur, Maharashtra (India). The spatial variation maps of resistivity at depths from 2 to 70 m were plotted using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) technique for interpolation in ArcGIS 10.5 to obtain a comprehensive subsurface hydrogeological representation of the study area. High resistivity (>140 Ωm) up to 20m depth, indicative of massive basalts is deciphered towards the NE part of the study area, while the NW sector reveal low resistive (up to 40 Ωm) feature at shallow depths due to fractured basalts, thus conducive for groundwater exploration. Alluvium deposits and columnar jointed basalts in the central part depicts as EW trending conductive (< 30 Ωm) feature suggesting prospective groundwater zone. Low resistivity (6-50 Ωm) from shallow to deeper depths (up to 70m), in the southern region can be identified as potential aquifer system. Longitudinal geoelectric cross-sections are generated over four profiles to identify the lateral and vertical variation in geology and groundwater potential zones. The western and central part of the northern profile (A-A') is highly resistive with resistivity of the order of 80-140 Ωm constituting compact basalts and thus devoid of water. Low resistive zone (30 Ωm) in the eastern part suggests groundwater at shallow depths. Low resistivity zones ranging from 10-50 Ωm is observed at different depth levels over the central profile (B-B') which can be tapped for groundwater exploitation. Several sites over profiles C-C' and the southern-most D-D' suggest promising aquifer zones. Because defining prospective groundwater zones in hard rock terrain is difficult, it’s crucial to look into a river basin’s hydrogeological arrangement early on in the planning process.

Site Suitability analysis for artificial groundwater recharge potential zone using a GIS approach in Basaltic terrain, Buldhana District, Maharashtra, India

We have selected the site suitability for artificial groundwater recharge in basaltic terrain in India. The overarching aim of this research is to identify appropriate locations for artificial groundwater recharge in the Godavari river basin in the semi-arid zone of Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. The research involves the selection of an appropriate location with an artificial recharge, the use of weighted values in a (GIS) environment, and the development of thematic layers. The precise type of artificial recharge system, such as a check dam, nullah bund, drainage ditch trying to plug, or percolation ponds, is chosen. Water harvesting considers the availability of land, conventionally, while on the local conditions depends the suitability of a particular artificial recharge technique and the area which is to get benefited. As a result, decisions on the site for water conservation and structure construction could only be undertaken after detailed field research. In stipulated time, the GIS modelling approach provides an excellent tool for the identification of recharge zones with suitable structures. The integrated study helps in designing a suitable groundwater management plan for the areas such as the basaltic terrain.

Prioritization of Sub-Watershed Using Morphometry and Land Cover Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Basaltic Terrain of Central India

The geo-morphological characteristics are more commonly used for characterization and prioritization of watershed/basin. Morphometric and land cover classes analysis using Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) with multi criteria analytical (MCA) is more effective, time saving and accurate technique for prioritization of watershed and helps in identification of suitable sites for conservation measures. Morphometric analysis revealed that SW8 is more susceptible to erosion followed by SW2. The land cover analysis shows that SW6 is more prone to soil erosion. Combined influence of both the parameters revealed that SW8 is more susceptible and SW1 is least susceptible to soil erosion. This study helps in planning various soil and water conservation measure to arrest soil erosion and improve the productivity of the soils.

Integrated Geomorphological, Geospatial and AHP Technique for Groundwater Prospects Mapping in Basaltic Terrain

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in rural parts of India. Because of the increasing demand for water, it is essential to identify new sources for the sustainable development of this resource. The potential mapping and exploration of groundwater resources have become a breakthrough in the field of hydrogeological research. In the present paper, a groundwater prospects map is delineated for the assessment of groundwater availability in Kar basin on basaltic terrain, using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Various thematic layers such as geology, slope, soil, geomorphology, drainage density and rainfall are prepared using satellite data, topographic maps and field data. The ranks and weights were assigned to each thematic layer and various categories of those thematic layers using AHP technique respectively. Further, a weighted overlay analysis was performed by reclassifying them in the GIS environment to prepare the groundwater potential map of the study area. The results show that groundwater prospects map classified into three classes low, moderate and high having area 17.12%, 38.26%, 44.62%, respectively. The overlay map with the groundwater potential zones in the study area has been found to be helpful for better planning and managing the resources.