I would like to work on the estimation of the hydrogeological potential of an area from satellite images. However, I would like to do this without carrying out verification in the field
To the best of my knowledge, I think the answer is No. Results obtained from these images should only guide you or help confirm what you have seen on the field. You need alot Of data. You need to assess all the water basins. To estimate the hydrogeological potentials of a zone goes beyond image analysis Dr. Thanks for consulting me. Inbox me for details.
Yes, I understand. But if the results on the ground are confirmed in a single point is it to say that all the lineamentary structures present on the map realize are Fractures?
Lineaments don't reveal only fractures. lineaments express an underlying geological structure (fracture) as well as surface structures (river channels and roads). You can't use lineaments analysis without going to the field. It's not possible.
Use the scientific validation which aims at evaluating the model's consistency and coherence with the real world as an ISO (input-state-output) system.
See: Article Validation of hydrological models: Conceptual basis, methodo...
There is a difference between potential and probability.
There are typical environments with which aquifers are associated and which increase the probability of successful resource development, such as along the contact zone between 2 different lithologies with different susceptibilities to weathering - however the only real test is drilling a borehole.
A desktop study, which will include a combination of magnetic and geological imagery with historical data (precipitation and resource level's response to the precipitation) is typically the first step.
- This can be possible If you have the data of the surroundings of your study area, you will then be able to do a type of interpolation using the confirmed surrounding data.
- Also, the geology of the area (litterature review) coupled with remote sensing can help you to identify precisely the location of fractured zones and with the implication of certain variables like the vegetation type (litterature review), vegetation density, the topography, the rain fall, the surface water (lakes, streams) you can be able to predict with high accuracy the potential zones of high/low/medium hydraulic potential.
No for a local exploration. But, I think for a regional exploration of acuifers and groundwater, the lito-permability characterization is the firs step (you use the geologic map and do an hydrogeological preliminary characterization, and obtein differents hidrogeologycal units, some of these with more potencial will be acuifers). Then, you can use 1) satelital imagen for identify some springs or origin of rivers; 2) model and values of rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration, and others; 3) field trip for inventory of evidence of groundwater (well, spring, others) and the local geologycal-hydrogeologycal setting (if is possible, take water samples for hidrochemics analysis); and 4) analyze the above information and the background of hydrogeological, geophysics and hydrologic information. Finally, you will recognize the best acuifers for more detail hydrogeological research in the future.