Groundwater Hydrology
Distribution and Movement of Groundwater: Do we have the required data?
Apart from the data on
(a) the amount of rainfall; and
(b) the details of aquifer and fluid properties of the saturated geological unit (groundwater aquifer),
Do we have the data on
(a) the details of the form of the surface of the first effectively impervious layer encountered below the water table;
(b) the details on the varying altitude of the surface area; and
(c) the details on the altitude and distance to the nearest drainage channel (associated with the concerned unconfined groundwater aquifer)
while deducing the horizontal distribution and movement of groundwater?
How do we justify the determination of
(a) the depth to the water table at any given place; and
(b) the direction and rate of groundwater movement
in the absence of all the above data?
Can we afford to ignore
the nature of the impervious stratum,
and the way it affects the groundwater table;
in semi-arid and arid climates
(leaving aside humid climates)?
Also, how will we distinguish
'the return flow of groundwater to the water-courses - characterized by
diffused and slow seepage';
from that of
'return flow of groundwater to the water-courses - characterized by
flowing spring' (strong groundwater currents resulting from the out-cropping of an impervious stratum)
in the absence of the above data?
You can search for the required data on
India Water Resources Information System.
https://indiawris.gov.in/wris/#/
Groundwater flows from regions of higher hydraulic head to regions of lower hydraulic head. The change in hydraulic head along a groundwater flow path is termed the hydraulic gradient. Groundwater flow paths and directions are highly modified during glaciations. Groundwater flow is either steady or transient. In steady flow, there are no changes in flow or hydraulic head in time. Groundwater flow can involve significant heat convection, which plays a noteworthy role for the thermohydraulic behaviour of geothermal heat exchangers.Groundwater flow paths are predominantly controlled by the lateral distribution of ice overburden pressure values. Groundwater flow in the subsurface is driven by differences in energy—water flows from high energy areas to low energy. Fresh groundwater is a critical resource supporting coastal ecosystems that rely on low-salinity, nutrient-rich groundwater discharge. The availability of groundwater as a water source depends largely upon surface and subsurface geology as well as climate. The porosity and permeability of a geologic formation control its ability to hold and transmit water. Porosity is measured as a ratio of voids to the total volume of rock material and is usually described as a percentage. The most reliable method of obtaining the depth to the water table at any given time is to measure the water level in a shallow well with a tape. If no wells are available, surface geophysical methods can sometimes be used, depending on surface accessibility for placing electric or acoustic probes.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Ftopics%2Fearth-and-planetary-sciences%2Fgroundwater-flow&psig=AOvVaw1htqf6tWHcd2LDOhRxuVJS&ust=1653811407110000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCPCujuHdgfgCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAa
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10040-021-02407-y&psig=AOvVaw1htqf6tWHcd2LDOhRxuVJS&ust=1653811407110000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCPCujuHdgfgCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAr
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.open.edu%2Fopenlearncreate%2Fmod%2Foucontent%2Fview.php%3Fid%3D79999%26printable%3D1&psig=AOvVaw1htqf6tWHcd2LDOhRxuVJS&ust=1653811407110000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCPCujuHdgfgCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAx
http://nihroorkee.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploadfiles/CPK_GW_Data_Analysis.pdf
https://opentextbc.ca/geology/chapter/14-2-groundwater-flow/
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-can-i-find-depth-water-table-specific-location
https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:1w1mps0ir17q9sgxanf9
/hierarchy/Documents/Environment/Groundwater/Groundwaters%20of%20Marlborough%20List/J%20Chapter9.pdf
Yes, we do have the required data.
a. The depth to the water table (GWL) can be measured by dip meters (for one time) or Divers (for continuous GWL measurement).
b. The direction of GW movement can be done using the three well methods and the rate of groundwater flow can be estimated using various methods.
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