Ayyandurai R
Research Scholar Department of Geology Periyar University,India
Title: GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL AND ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE ZONATION MAPPING USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUE IN THE GADILAM RIVER BASIN IN SOUTH INDIA
Biography
Biography: Ayyandurai R
Abstract
Groundwater potential zones and artificial groundwater recharge zones were delineated using geophysical surveys and geospatial techniques to understand hydrodynamic behaviour in the Gadilam river basin South India. The Gadilam is an ephemeral river originates from Mayanur garudan spring of Garudan rock and traverses via Pasar hill and confluent with Bay of Bengal at Silver beach. The study area falls under semi-arid climatic conditions with numerous surface water tanks and lakes, erratic and almost failure in monsoon. Gadilam river basin lies in between Latitudes 11°40' to 11° 58' N and Longitudes 78° 58' to 79° 26' 35" E covering an areal extent of 1428 Sq.km. The drainage pattern in the area is dendritic to sub dendritic and at tor complex as trellis type. The fast growing population and rapid urbanization, consequently increasing water demand in the study area. The Gadilam river basin is one of the important agricultural production area in south India. There is a growing awareness of the need for adequate water resources to maintain sustainable groundwater development and management. In contrast to land resources, there is a high interdependency among water users due to the movement of water in the hydrological cycle. Geophysical surveys were carried out at representative locales to ascertain the subsurface conditions. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) was obtained with the help of Landsat imageries and IRS P6 LISS IV. These models were used to delineate groundwater potential zones and estimate effective artificial recharge zones. Average rainfall was calculated using isohyetal method and the area of each of the storage lakes was measured using satellite images and it was compared with low potential zones. Fluctuations in groundwater levels, evaporation and infiltration rates were used to determine the water balance for the purpose of estimation of artificial recharge. Artificial recharge rates were found to surpass natural recharge from rainfall. Recharge wells caused a reduction in the effect of evaporation on storage lakes. This study recommends and establishment of sustainable development through suitable artificial recharge methods and are implemented.