Delineation of Ground Water Recharge Zones in Hard Rock Terrain of Tamil Nadu
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Author:M.V. Ranghaswami, B. Sarojini Devi and C. Mayilswami
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:98, Issue:apr-jun
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100263
Abstract
Ground water resources diminish at alarming rates in hard rock regions as it is the primary
source of irrigation as well as domestic purpose. Periodic replenishment of ground water in
these areas is only through rainfall. Delineation of potential groundwater recharge zones in
hard rock areas is of vital importance to enhance the recharge. Conventionally, suitable zone
for groundwater recharge is deciphered using hydrogeological, geophysical and
geomorphological maps, which is often time consuming and uneconomical. But, the analysis
of unconfined aquifer response in terms of rise in water level due to precipitation in hard
rock areas is one of the rapid and cost-effective methods. Cross-correlation of rise in water
level and precipitation is established for Parambikulam-Aliyar-Palar (PAP) basin of TamilNadu,
India to delineate groundwater recharge zones. The entire area is classified into various
recharge zones depending on coefficient of correlation. Thus, decisions on construction of
recharge structures / optimal pumping in these areas can be decided for sustainable ground
water resource management to meet future demands.
Key words : Hard rock, groundwater recharge, cross correlation coefficient, recharge zone delineation