Prospecting ground water potential zones using RS and GIS – A case study from arid western Rajasthan

Abstract

In arid regions, inherent climatic conditions and adverse terrain condition pose perpetual shortage of water. The dominant aeolian topography conceals older geological formations making it difficult to infer prospects of ground water and tapping the same. A ground water prospect map has been prepared for a part of Jodhpur district in western Rajasthan through integrated analysis of four major controlling factors: geology, geomorphology, structure and hydrology. Through visual interpretation of satellite data and using Geographical Information System, twenty-five hydro-geomorphic units (prospect units) have been delineated and mapped. Potential of each prospect unit have been discussed in reference to hydro-geomorphic units, their influence and well inventory like well yield, water table level and quality of drinking water. 34 % of the area was classified to have high groundwater potential and 5.8 % area was classified into low potential categories. Most of the area (60.2 %) is of moderate ground water potential.