Aquifer Mapping and Sustainable Development

Aquifer mapping and its sustainable development are essential for achieving preset management objectives. The occurrence and movement of groundwater in geological formations depend on rock types and their hydrogeologic characteristics, which allow storage and mobility of groundwater under ordinary field conditions. Based on the mode of occurrence of groundwater in identical geological formations and the nature of their hydrogeologic properties, geological formations are classified into two groups: porous formations that comprise unconsolidated and semi-consolidated formations and consolidated formations. This chapter describes these geological formations using Indian examples. It also describes geophysical electrical methods using some electrode and multi-electrode survey systems to map groundwater-bearing geological formations and structures and select suitable sites for managing aquifer recharge.