Use of remote sensing techniques for detailed hydrogeological investigations in parts of Narmada Sagar command area, MP

Abstract

Of late, airphoto interpretation and Landsat imagery analysis play a vital role in geological mapping for detailed hydrogeological investigations for ground water prospecting. Certain obscure features like lineaments/fracture zones which are masked by surface soil and cultivated lands are easily visible. In hard rocks like granites and basalts the occurrence and movement of ground water are controlled by the fracture pattern. Delineation of potential zones of ground water for successful exploration is possible by the study and analysis of aerial photographs, visual interpretation of Landsat imagery and interactive data analysis system through computer techniques and applications. These techniques constitute for data integration with conventional methods of hydrogeological investigations and exploratory drilling. As a case study an area of 1500 sq km in part of the Narmada river basin of Madhya Pradesh and also forming a portion of Narmada Sagar area covered under topo sheets 46 N/12 and 46 N/16 was taken up.

Aerial photographs pertaining to the area of study and Landsat imagery of band 5 and 7 in scale blown upto 1∶250,00 were scanned and analysed. It was observed that the successful artesian wells are located in pominent lineament/fractured zones in the study area. It is also recommended after through analysis different hyddromorphic zonations for future exploration of ground water.