The Role of Geophysical, Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Methods in Groundwater Potential Mapping.

Abstract

One of the most basic components of human existence and socio-economic development is water. The development of groundwater resources is however complicated because of variability in geological and hydrogeological conditions making its management a bit difficult but do not involve treatment cost and is generally free from odour, colour and contamination. In groundwater investigation and assessment, geophysical, geographic information system, and remote sensing methods are essential techniques that support the evaluation, management, and monitoring of groundwater resources. Physics principles are applied to investigate the earth's subsurface characteristics such as aquifer and geological formations. GIS integrates data from land use/land cover, geology, hydrology and climate to evaluate aquifer properties, groundwater recharge zones, and usage patterns in prospecting locations for groundwater recharging or exploration. Remote sensing’s aerial imagery helps in mapping land use/land cover, surface water bodies, and vegetation health that influence groundwater recharge without making direct contact with the earth’s surface. These three methods have similarities in spatial analysis, data integration and cost effectiveness. Various researchers have integrated data from geophysical, GIS and Remote sensing techniques in order to delineate, assess and predict groundwater potential zones. However, there are some research opportunities such as climate change, surface water-groundwater relationship, sensitivity analysis, localize studies, to mention the few need to be considered, utilized and or improved in groundwater potential long-term prediction and assessment.