Search

Conventional methods of groundwater targeting often result in failures due to improper selection of sites as a result of the lack of scientific database. Satellite-based mapping using geographic information system (GIS) has brought a paradigm shift in the mapping of the natural resources including groundwater. Remote sensing is a cost effective technique to carry out the groundwater prospects mapping which otherwise is difficult to achieve at national scale. A comprehensive database could be created on groundwater resource mapping and assessment using IRS LISS III satellite data from IRS-1C and its follow-on missions like IRS-1D and Resourcesat-1 for the entire India which was first of its kind. A national mission called National Rural Drinking Water Program was launched in the year 1999 to carry out groundwater prospects mapping at 1:50,000 scale for the entire country using 23.5 m resolution IRS LISS III satellite data. The objective of the project was to generate groundwater prospects maps on 1:50,000 scale in GIS format showing (a) different prospective zones in terms of yield and depth of aquifer and (b) tentative sites of different recharge structures suitable in the area. It is imperative that the mammoth task of preparing 4898 groundwater prospects maps on 1:50,000 scale for the entire country has become a reality due to the timely and continuous availability of LISS III satellite images from IRS-1C sensor and its follow-on missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a pilot study carried out in RajpuraDariba area, Rajasthan, for locating favourable zones of lead-zinc-copper (Pb-Zn-Cu) mineralization using remote sensing, Geographical Information System (GIS) and geostatistical modelling techniques. Remotely sensed data, both aerial and satellite, were used to update the existing geological map. ATLAS GIS software and multivariate geostatistical techniques were used to analyse and integrate different types of geological and geophysical datasets. The Favourability Index (FI) maps prepared during this study show the occurrence of three favourable zones for Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization. They are: (i) around and north of Rawan ka Khera; (ii) isolated spots between Ruppura and Bhupalsagar; and (iii) north of Dhani. Selective geochemical sampling and resistivity profiling carried out in these favourable zones indicated the presence of geochemical anomalies (anomalous concentrations of Zn and Cu) and low/moderate resistivity zones, respectively. Recent drilling carried out by the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG), Rajasthan, at about 2.5 km north of Rawan ka Khera (one of the predicted favourable zones) indicated evidence of Cu mineralization at a depth of about 70 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]