Geomorphology and Its bearing on water resource evaluation through Remote Sensing around Rajgarh district, M.P., India
Liaqat, A. K. Rao, Mohd. Asif
Geology Department, Aligarh Muslim University,
Aligarh, 202 002, India.
Abstract
Groundwater prospecting particularly in the hard rock areas is quite difficult, owing to geological and geomorphologic controls of subsurface conditions on the occurrences and movement of groundwater resources. Thus in such areas systematic investigation using remotely sensed data provide realistic information on the geomorphic features, drainage pattern and water resource evaluation etc. of any hard rock area.
Visual interpretation of aerial photographs on 1: 60,000 scale, and Landsat images on 1:250,000 and 1:50,000 scales were carried out covering an area of abort 6117 sq. km., to identify the drainage pattern, major geomorphic and litho logical units in order to evaluate the groundwater potential zones around Rajgarh district (latitude 23° 28' - 24° 18' N and longitude 76° 11' 77° 20' E) M.P., which constitute a part of huge Malwa Plateau. It was observed that flood plain along river, alluvial plain and in filled valleys posses high ground water potentiality while flood plains along the nalas, dissected plateaus ad flat of slightly undulating top surfaces of plateaus possess moderate groundwater potentiality. The prominent lineaments / fractured zone in the study area are located as they may control the groundwater regime of this area.
Introduction
Water resources play a vital role not only in the economic development but also in the welfare of a country and constitute one of the most valuable natural resources. During the past several years conventional field survey methods are followed for evaluating by hydrological and hydro geomorphological conditions of an area. These methods are difficult, time consuming an costly. Among all the latest available techniques, the aerial/satellite remote sensing techniques now provide accurate information for delineating the geological and geomorphological characteristics and allied significance, which are considered as controlling factor for the occurrence and movement of groundwater.
Based on these consideration an attempt has been made in parts of Rajgarh district of M.P. to delineate its geological structural and geomorphological characteristics for the groundwater point of view, using topographical maps, black and white aerial photographs Landsat (TM, FCC) image. This study was supplemented by additional data and limited field check to achieve a comprehensive water resource evaluation.
Study Area
The study area forms a part of Rajgarh district in M.P. , which constitutes a part of huge Malwa plateau. It is covered by the survey of India toposheet number 54 D/4 and 54 D/4 and bounded by Latitude 24° 2' 50" - 24° 10' 42"N Longitude 76° 11' 28" - 76° 25' 34" E.
Climate
The study area experiences semi-arid type of climate with minimum 9.7°C and maximum 43.1°C temperature. The average annual rainfall ranges from 796.6 mm to 1291.3 The maximum rainfall recorded during the months of June to September.
Physiography
The area is charcterised by rolling topography with flat valley plains. Flat to slightly undulating upland area can be seen on the top surfaces of Deccan Basalt.
