Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Manimala Watershed using GIS

Abstract

Groundwater is a major source of fresh water throughout the world and it is an important part of
the hydrologic cycle. Integration of geographical information system (GIS) and the remote sensing
data for the exploration of groundwater resources has brought about a significant change in
the field of groundwater research. The current study was conducted to delineate the ground water
potential zones in Manimala watershed, Kerala, India. Eight parameters have been considered
in total for the study such as drainage density, elevation, slope gradient geology, geomorphology,
land use, soil, and lineaments. The selected parameters have been prepared and classified
in GIS environment. Weightages were assigned for each parameter and its classes, then
weighted overlay analysis in ArcGIS was used to delineate study area into different groundwater
potential zones. The groundwater potential zones thus obtained were divided into four categories
such as very low, low, medium and high potential zones. The result obtained was found to be
helpful in assessing groundwater resources as well as its efficient planning and management for
the social and economic progress of the society.