Theme 2-7-Characterization of groundwater resource and estimation of aquifer parameters in Basaltic terrain, eastern part of Amravati district, Maharashtra

Abstract

This study encompasses the detailed hydro geological investigation carriedout in the Basaltic terrain of eastern part of Amravati region which represents lower dissected plateau of Deccan trap formation. The characteristic features of shallow groundwater regime is depicted by utilising field, hydro geomorphological, hydro geochemical, geophysical and remote sensing techniques. The upper parts of the lava sequence is dominated by highly fractured vesicular lava flows containing zeolite bearing horizons.The results indicate the presence of four geomorphological units in the area of investigation which includes flood plain, undissected plateau, moderatly dissected plateau and highly dissected plateau which serve as a guide to demarcate potential zones of groundwater occurrence and recharge in the study area.

This study demonstrates the characterisation of groundwater resource and estimation of aquifer parameters by utilising pumping test at eleven representative well sites. The results have been computed to decipher storativity, transmissivity, storage coefficient and specific yield which are crucial in understanding water level fluctuations and groundwater potential of the region. The results indicate slightly lower values for most of the parameters when compared with the standard values for Deccan Basalt aquifers due to consistently compact, massive and hard trap (>300 m/m resistivity) at lower elevations below the highly fractured, jointed and vesicular basalt which acts as suitable sites for groundwater exploration. The integrated approach in the present study clearly demonstrate that aquifer parameters including groundwater flow and distribution which are mainly controlled by drainage pattern, slope elements lineament pattern, structural parameters, rainfall and hydro geomorphology.