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.