Groundwater is prominent part of the earth’s fresh water as well as main source of drinking water and survival source for many lives on earth. Groundwater potential zone identification can be done using advanced as well as recently developed geospatial technology such as Remote Sensing and GIS. GIS technology is useful for capturing, storing, and analyzing spatial data with the help of computer programming techniques. Here in identification of groundwater potential zone using of spatial elements which are related for infiltration of water into ground. For the groundwater potential zone analysis using of spatial layers like geology, geomorphology, rainfall, lineament, land use/land cover, drainage density, soil texture, soil depth etc.

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5. IV
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………01
1.1 Overview……………………………………………………………………………………...01
1.2 Need for Groundwater Study………………………………………………………………….02
1.3 Literature Review……………………………………………………………………………..02
1.4 Aim and Objective…………………………………………………………………………….03
1.5 Source of Data………………………………………………………………………………...04
1.6 Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………..04
2. STUDY AREA…………………………………………………………………………………08
2.1 Location……………………………………………………………………………………….06
3. METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................08
3.1 Data Collection and Preparation of Geospatial Database……………………………………..08
3.2 Overlay Analysis……………………………………………………………………...………08
3.3 Selection of Significant Parameters ……………………………………………………..……08
3.3.1 Lineament Density………………………………...……………….…….…………….……09
3.3.2 Geology……………………………………………………………………………………………..09
3.3.3 Geomorphology……………………………………………………………………………..12
3.3.4 Land use/Land cover (2015)………………………………………………………………...12
3.3.5 Slope………………………………………………………………………………………...15
3.3.6 Mean Annual Rainfall……………………………………………………….…………….………15
3.3.7 Drainage Density……………………………………………………………………………18
3.3.8 Soil Texture…………………………………………………………………………………18
3.3.9 Soil Depth……………………………………………………………...……………………22
3.4 Assignment of Weightage and Rank……………………………………...……………….….22
3.5 Integration of Thematic Layers…………………………….……………………………………….25
3.6 Groundwater Potential Index………………………………………………………………….25
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS……………………………………………………………..26
4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………...26
4.2 Groundwater Potential Zones…………………………………………….………...…………26
5. SUMMERY AND CONCLUSION………………………………………………………….28
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………..29

6. V
LIST OF TABLES
1.1 Database……………………………………………..........……………………………………….……04
1.2 Lineament Density ……………….…………………………………..………….…………….……….09
1.3 Geology…………………………………………………………………………………………………..09
1.4 Geomorphology…………………………………………………………………………………………12
1.5 Land use/Land cover……………………………………………………………………………………12
1.6 Slope….……………..……………………………………………………………………………………15
1.7 Mean Annual Rainfall……………….…………………………………………….……...……………15
1.8 Drainage Density……………………………………………………………………………………….18
1.9 Soil Texture………………………………………………………………………………………………18
2.0 Soil Depth………………………………………………………………………………………………..22
2.1 Weightage for Parameters……………………………………………………………………………..22
2.2 Assignment of Weightage and Ranking for Groundwater Potential Zones……………………..24
2.3 Groundwater Potential Zones…………………………………………………………………………26
LIST OF FIGURES
1.1 Methodology…………………………………………………………………………..…………….…..05
1.2 Location of Study Area…………………………………………………………………………………07
1.3 Lineament…….…………………………………………………………………….……………………10
1.4 Geology…………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
1.5 Geomorphology……….…………………………………………………….……….………………....13
1.6 Land use/Land cover……………………………………………………………………………………14
1.7 Slope Texture…..…………………………………………….………………….………………………16
1.8 Mean Annual Rainfall……….……………………………..……….………………………………….17
1.9 Drainage…………...…………………………………………………………………………………….19
2.0 Drainage Density……………………………………………………………………………………….20
2.1 Soil Texture………………………………………………………………………………………………21
2.2 Soil Depth………………………………………………………………………………………………..23
2.3 Groundwater Potential Zone………………………………………………………………………….27

7. 1
ABSTRACT
Groundwater is prominent part of the earth’s fresh water as well as main source of
drinking water and survival source for many lives on earth. Groundwater potential zone
identification can be done using advanced as well as recently developed geospatial technology
such as Remote Sensing and GIS. GIS technology is useful for capturing, storing, and analyzing
spatial data with the help of computer programming techniques. Here in identification of
groundwater potential zone using of spatial elements which are related for infiltration of water
into ground. For the groundwater potential zone analysis using of spatial layers like geology,
geomorphology, rainfall, lineament, land use/land cover, drainage density, soil texture, soil depth
etc.
After integration of all these spatial layers can be identify the actual zones of groundwater
potential zones. These results can be helpful for identifying intensity of groundwater potential
zone. Various types of satellite data were used for analysis purpose viz., LISS- IV, as well as
using of cartosat DEM data and (SOI) toposheet’s to create thematic maps and generating vector
layer.
GWPI (groundwater potential zone index) in this index calculated the area of all these
using thematic layers. This index mentioned about the spatial layer coverage area and percentages
area in sq.km of Vaippar basin. Groundwater potential zones are divided into four zones such as
very high, high, low, and very low. These division of groundwater potential zones correlated with
the given weightage and ranking for concerned spatial layers.
Weightage and ranking is a valuable part for demarcating the groundwater potential zones.
Thematic layers are generated (geology, geomorphology, rainfall, lineament, land use/land cover,
drainage density, soil texture, and soil depth etc.) and integrated for identification groundwater
potential zone in Vaippar basin with the help of ArcGIS 10.1, software.
Keywords: Groundwater Potential Zones, Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing,
Weightage and Ranking, ArcGIS10.1.

8. 2
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Groundwater means water which is stored beneath the ground as well as within space of
the soil and rock. It is the prominent part of the Earth’s fresh water. It is essential for human
fulfilling their basic needs and survival of every life on earth. Various uses of fresh water are for
drinking, cleaning, agriculture and so on. Groundwater provides fresh source of water as
compared to oceans, rivers and lakes. Groundwater is also one of the dynamic sources of water
than any other sources of water.
Groundwater also has an important role in the hydrological cycle as it stores large amount
of fresh water but nowadays groundwater is depleting at very high rate with increasing population
and industrialization. It is another reason for reducing the rate of groundwater.
Groundwater is unevenly distributed from place to place due to the variation in
topography, climatic condition and various land-use and land-cover practices. Therefore it had
been a great challenge to identify the groundwater potential zone, but nowadays it has been made
easy with the help of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS)
techniques.
Remote Sensing and GIS techniques are useful for the actual demarcation of the
groundwater potential zones. For this purpose various GIS software’s such as QGIS & ArcGIS are
very helpful.
Spatial analysis process helps for correlating various parameters such as mean annual
rainfall, lineament density, land use/land cover, drainage density, soil texture, soil depth etc. All
these parameters are closely related to find groundwater potential zones. In this present study an
attempt has been made to identify the groundwater potential zone in Vaippar basin, Tamil Nadu,
India through Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.

9. 3
1.2 Need for Groundwater Study
In the world scenario, the presence of groundwater is reducing gradually due to over
exploitation, and the lack of groundwater management. The worldwide problem is the lack of
fresh groundwater resource. Hence, it is important to understand the techniques and way of
approach towards groundwater recharge and prospecting, surface and groundwater conservation
and to increase the groundwater level at the national, state, and local scale for sustainable
livelihood. In order to circumvent these issues in identifying the groundwater potential zones, the
recent geospatial technologies, like remote sensing and GIS can be used to obtain relatively
accurate results. It is also possible to demarcate or identify the ground water potential zones in
both accessible and inaccessible areas.
1.3 Literature Review
Many researchers have come out with procedures and techniques of generating the
groundwater potential zone maps using remote sensing based on spatial layers of groundwater
controlling parameters using GIS.
Senthil et. al., (2014) have analyzed that remote sensing and geological data framework
(GIS) has turned into one of the heading devices in the field of groundwater examination, which
helps in surveying, checking, and rationing groundwater assets. A detailed analysis was led to
figure out the groundwater potential zones in Lekkur sub bowl of Mangalur Block, Cuddalore
region, Tamil Nadu, South India. The topical maps, for example, geography, geomorphology, soil
hydrological gathering, area use/area spread and waste guide were ready for the study range. All
the topical maps were change over into lattice (raster design) and superimpose by weighted
overlay technique (rank and weightage insightful topical maps). From the investigation, the
groundwater potential zones with brilliant, great, great, moderate and poor prospects.
Biswas et. al., (2012) have carried out investigations to assess groundwater potential zones
for the coastal part of Ganjam District, Orissa. The weights of the factors contributing to
groundwater recharge was derived using geomorphological, geological, slope, drainage density,
lineament density map, aerial photos, geology map, and land use/land cover. The resultant map of
the groundwater potential area was concentrated along the shoreline in the coastal part because of
the high infiltration rates caused by the gravely sand.

10. 4
Krishnamurthy et. al., (1995) have exhibited the ability of remote sensing systems and
GIS in outline of groundwater potential zones. Topical layers, for example, lithology, landforms,
lineaments and surface water bodies were utilized. The remotely sensed information, such as
soils, drainage density and slope layers were made ready and true information sources were
incorporated. Appointing suitable weights for every sub-units of an individual layer and the
weights are summed up by incorporation. The higher estimations of a total weight show the great
groundwater potential zones and lower level estimations of aggregate weights demonstrate poor
groundwater potential zones.
Nagaraju et al., (2011), have suggested a micro scale groundwater assessment, for which
experimental approaches are usually followed, however, on a regional scale this groundwater
assessment needs to be made into a comprehensive picture where spatial data of the different
contributing factors are treated. Contributing factors are lineaments and drainage density,
lithologic character, land use/land cover. This approach provides better estimate and qualitative
result.
Mwega et al., (2013) have delineated groundwater potential zones in Lake Chala Basin in
Kenya used coordinated methodology of remote sensing and GIS. In their study, the groundwater
possibility of the region has been assessed through coordination of diverse layers including
lithology, land use/land cover, drainage density, slope and rainfall. The nature's area, criteria for
GIS examination has been portrayed for groundwater and suitable weightage has been designated
to each information layer.
1.4 Aim and Objectives
The main aim of this study is to identify groundwater potential zones of Vaippar Basin
using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.
The following are the objectives of the study:
✓ To prepare thematic maps of surface and sub-surface features viz: geology,
geomorphology, soil texture, slope, drainage density, lineament density, land use/land
cover, soil depth and mean annual rainfall.
✓ To calculate the groundwater potential zones index and classify the groundwater potential
zones of the study area.

11. 5
1.5 Source of Data
Table.1.1 Databases
Data Details Data Source
(Drainage map) Toposheet’s at 1:50000
Scale
Survey of India
Soil Texture & Soil Depth
Tamil Nadu Agriculture University,
Coimbatore
Rainfall Data
Tamil Nadu Economic and Statistical
Department, Chennai
LISS-IV Satellite Images & Cartosat-DEM
(30 Meter)
National Remote Sensing Centre,
Hyderabad
Geology Map Geological Survey of India
Geomorphology & Lineament Bhuvan Thematic Services of India
1.6 Methodology
1. Collection of studies related to groundwater potential zones identification.
2. Collection of LISS-IV (2015) satellite imagery data from NRSC Bhuvan thematic service,
Indian open data source.
3. Collection of rainfall data and geographical data through the secondary data collection.
4. Preparation of digital elevation model and preparation of slope map using Cartosat DEM.
5. Preparation of thematic layers such as drainage, soil texture, soil depth, geology,
geomorphology, land use / land cover, lineament, slope etc., by using Geographical
Information System (GIS) Software, ArcGIS version 10.1.

12. 6
Figure.1.1 Methodology
SOI Toposheet
1:50,000
Drainage
Drainage Density
Satellite Data
LISS-III Carto DEM
LU/LC Slope
Tamil Nadu
Economic &
Statistical Dept.
Geomorphology
Lineament
Density
Geology
Soil
Rainfall
DATA COLLECTION
Ancillary Data
WEIGHTAGE / RANKING, INTEGRATION &
GIS OVERLAY ANALYSIS
GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ZONES

13. 7
2. STUDY AREA
2.1 Location
The Vaippar Basin is located in southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. The Vaippar basin (8º 58˝
to 9º 45˝ N and 77º 10´ to 78º 15´ E) with an area 5339 sq.km. This basin has variation in the climatic
as well as physiographic aspects such as soil texture, soil depth, rainfall, land use/land cover.
Vaippar basin covers parts of Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Madurai and Tirunelveli districts
of Tamil Nadu. On the basis of physiography the basin can be divided into two broad sections,
namely the hilly tracks with altitude above 100 meters and the vast stretch of black cotton soil plains.
The basin is located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. Though the basin extends up to
the Bay of Bengal, the direction of monsoon winds restricts the rainfall considerably. The area has
been selected because of it’s or under developed nature and also for its varied lithological conditions
such as Geomorphology, Hydrological characteristics, consolidated nature of rock etc.

14. 8
Figure.1.2 Location of study area

15. 9
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Data Collection and Preparation of Geospatial Database
The map of geology, geomorphology and lineament thematic maps of the study area are
obtained from Bhuvan thematic layer service. Collect the 1:50000 scale toposheet’s from the (SOI)
Survey of India for the Vaippar basin boundary and stream digitization. Here using 30 year rainfall
data obtained from Tamil Nadu Economic & Statistical Department, Chennai. In this calculation of
mean annual rainfall done using with the help of Microsoft excel. For the land use and land cover
classification and analysis purpose downloaded LISS-IV Imagery data from Bhuvan thematic service,
India. Geology, geomorphology and lineament these are thematic maps digitized in ArcGIS with the
help of online source of bhuvan thematic map service. After digitization given suitable weightage &
ranking for correlated layers and fulfill attribute values was calculated. The lineament density map
was converted from raster to vector format using raster to vector polygon tool, the lineaments were
delineated from bhuvan thematic layer service, India open data source similarly drainage density was
delineated from SOI (Survey of India) toposheet’s (1:50000). Drainage density was converted form
raster to vector. The errors in DEM were removed and corrected In ArcGIS using fill tool, as well as
slope tool was used for the slope analysis in degree unit and was converted from raster to vector
format. Land use land cover map was generated from LISS – IV (2015) (IRS P6) satellite sensor.
Land use land cover map was digitized in ArcGIS.
3.2 Overlay Analysis
Overlay analysis is a group of methodologies applied in optimal sites selection. It is a
technique for applying common scales of value to diverse and dissimilar inputs to create an integrated
analysis. This technique used for identification of groundwater potential zones the best or most
preferred location for a specific phenomenon.
3.3 Selection of Significant Parameters
The main aim of the study is to identify groundwater potential zone of Vaippar basin. The
overlay analysis technique plays a significant role in achieving the same by overlaying the thematic
layers of selected spatial features, few of those layers are generated from the primary sources like
satellite images, cartosat DEM and few are from the secondary sources like geological
geomorphological, soil texture, rainfall and soil depth maps of the study area.

16. 10
3.3.1 Lineament Density
Lineaments are primarily discontinuities on the earth surface caused by geological and
geomorphological process. Lineaments are formed due to various geological features like faults,
shear zone, dykes and veins as well as bedding planes and stratigraphic contacts. Geomorphic
features, which appear as lineaments on the maps, aerial photographs and satellite images include
stream line, valley sand and ridgelines. Lineament densities are high western part of the Vaippar
basin. Very high lineament density covers an area (4.42 %) of Vaippar basin.
Table.1.2 Lineament Density
No. Lineament density (in km/sq.km) Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 < 0.10 1736.16 32.53
2 0.10 - 0.25 1354.03 25.35
3 0.25 - 0.45 1397.09 26.16
4 0.45 - 0.69 616.01 11.54
5 > 0.69 236.11 4.42
Total area 5339 100
3.3.2 Geology
The geology is a great wall between surface water and groundwater. The study rock types of
the area include granite, quartzite, calcareous gritty sand, laterite, pyroxene granitite, charnockite,
genesis, graphite, calcareous granulite and limestone, Pigment, etc. These are basalt rock and then
rocks have high permeability and porosity than the granite rocks. The central part of study area is
largely covers the graphite and genesis. Charnockite covers the southwest and northwest part of study
area (19.36 %) after the graphite and genesis. This study area highly covered by the graphite rock and
genesis rock types (75.18 %) of Vaippar basin.
Table.1.3 Geology
No. Geology Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 Granite, Quartzite 25.06 0.44
2 Silt, Sand, Laterite, Clay 263.01 4.92
3 Pyroxene granulite 1.73 0.05
4 Charnockite 1034.11 19.31
5 Graphite, Genesis 4015.09 75.18
Total area 5339 100

17. 11
Figure.1.3 Lineament Density

18. 12
Figure.1.4 Geology

19. 13
3.3.3 Geomorphology
Geomorphology is a controlling factor for the infiltration of surface water into the ground.
The study area has variations in geomorphic features as well as the area. Extent the study area is
covered by the active flood plain, pediment pedi plain, fluvial origin bajada, and structural hills &
valley. For groundwater potential zone the active flood plain is very much suitable and it covers
nearly (2.90%) of total study area.
Table.1.4 Geomorphology
No. Geomorphology Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 Fluvial origin bajada 75.54 1.41
2 Structural hills & valley 560.42 10.49
3 Denudational hills valley 18.76 00.37
4 Active flood plain 154.87 2.90
5 Pediment pedi plain 4530.31 84.83
Total area 5339 100
3.3.4 Land Use/Land Cover
Land use/land cover plays a vital role in groundwater availability in the study area. Water
body and forest are suitable for groundwater formation. Central part of the study area cover by the
Agricultural fallow land and it is covers near to (26.26%) of study area. Agricultural crop land covers
large area of study area near to (51.20%) and forest covers (10.20%) very low area is covered by the
built-up land of study area.
Table.1.5 Land use/Land cover
No. Land use/land cover (2015) Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 Forest 545.00 10.20
2 Built-up land 320.20 5.99
3 Agriculture fallow land 1401.12 26.26
4 Agriculture crop land 2734.41 51.20
5 Water body 339.11 6.35
Total area 5339 100

20. 14
Figure.1.5 Geomorphology

21. 15
Figure.1.6 Land use/Land cover

22. 16
3.3.5 Slope
Slope is the significant factor for Groundwater. If the land have high slope then the land is
considered as not suitable for groundwater even it has good soil depth for runoff infiltration. During
Rainfall the most of the water gets wasted as run off in high level slopes. For groundwater the land
need to get absorb water and so we need a gentle slope and since the slope is an important aspect to
be considered in groundwater potential studies. The general slope of the Vaippar basin is from
northwest to southeast, follow of the streams of the Deccan. Western part of basin covered by the
hills and valleys near to (9.78%) remaining area consist in plain area. Less than 5 degree slope is
highly suitable for groundwater formation.
Table.1.6 Slope
No. Slope (in degree) Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 < 5 4628.29 86.67
2 5 – 10 255.82 4.79
3 10 – 15 100.99 1.89
4 15 – 20 69.76 1.32
5 > 20 285.04 5.33
Total area 5339 100
3.3.6. Mean Annual Rainfall
The northwestern part of the study area receives mean annual rainfall of around >840
mm/year; the southern parts, of Vaippar basin recorded a mean annual rainfall of around 660-720
mm/year. The rainfall influence on groundwater occurrence depends on the southwest and northeast
monsoon rainfall. The rainfall distribution along with the slope gradient in the upstream northwest
part directly affects the infiltration rate and hence increases the possibility of groundwater potential
zones in the downstream of northern part. In this study area a high rainfall covered 637.48 sq.km area
or 11.93% of total study area.
Table.1.7 Mean Annual Rainfall
No. Mean annual rainfall (in mm) Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 < 660 118.84 2.25
2 660 - 720 771.57 14.44
3 720 - 780 2533.98 47.45
4 780 - 840 1277.73 23.92
5 > 840 637.48 11.93
Total area 5339 100

23. 17
Figure.1.7 Slope

24. 18
Figure.1.8 Mean Annual Rainfall

25. 19
3.3.7 Drainage Density
The study area has a dense network of streams due to the presence of mountains on its
western part. The streams observed here are to up seventh order. The central part of study area has
good network of streams. Drainage density of 3-4 km/sq.km is highly suitable for the groundwater
formation which covers near to 1068.9 km/sq.km area or (20.09%) of the study area.
Table 1.8 Drainage Density
No. Drainage density (in km/sq.km) Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 < 1 881.311 16.50
2 1 - 2 2118.54 39.67
3 2 - 3 1219.88 22.84
4 3 - 4 1068.9 20.09
5 > 4 50.86 0.90
Total area 5339 100
3.3.8 Soil Texture
Soil texture is an important factor for delineating the groundwater potential zones. The
analysis of the soil type reveals that the study area is predominantly covered by clay, loam, sandy
loam, sand and sandy clay loam. Loamy soil is a formed from weathered granite of Archean and
quartzite of Proterozoic age. This study area is also covered by the some sub-texture types of soil
texture such as sandy soil, loamy soil, gravelly loamy soil, clay soil, cracking clay soil covering a
larger part of study area i.e. (80.20%) which is 4882 sq.km. The sandy soil is most suitable for the
groundwater which is covered in central part of study area and it covers (33.66) sq.km area or
(0.63%) of total study area.
Table.1.9 Soil Texture
No. Soil texture Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 Cracking clay 4282.94 80.20
2 Sandy, loamy 16.36 0.33
3 Sandy 33.66 0.63
4 Loamy 555.35 10.39
5 Gravelly loamy 451.64 8.45
Total area 5339 100

26. 20
Figure.1.9 Drainage

27. 21
Figure.2.0 Drainage Density

28. 22
Figure.2.1 Soil Texture

29. 23
3.3.9 Soil Depth
Soil depth plays an important role in infiltration of water from surface to aquifer zones. If soil
depth is higher then water infiltration rate is high. The present study area has very high variation in
soil depth and it is changing from place to place and region to region. Higher than 20 cm depth soil
cover is found near to 28.13% part of Vaippar basin. Higher depth soil covers in middle part of basin
as well as neighboring area of rivers and water bodies.
Table.2.0 Soil Depth
No. Soil depth (in cm) Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 < 5 410.50 8.36
2 5 - 10 568.61 10.64
3 10 - 15 1143.73 21.41
4 15 - 20 1680.26 31.46
5 > 20 1500.85 28.13
Total area 5339 100
3.4 Assignment of Weightage and Rank
Suitable weightages were assigned to the parameters and ranks for their individual classes
after understanding their hydrogeological importance on groundwater occurrence in the study area.
The weightages assigned is 1-100 for different parameters presented in Table No: 2.1. The ranks
assigned in 1-5 for different classes of the individual parameters and their weightages are presented in
Table.2.2.
Table 2.1 Weightage for Various Parameters
Pr. No Parameters Weightage
1 Geology 13
2 Geomorphology 20
3 Slope 10
4 Land use/land cover 8
5 Drainage density 12
6 Lineament density 11
7 Mean annual rainfall 6
8 Soil texture 5
9 Soil depth 15
Total Weightage 100

30. 24
Figure.2.2 Soil Depth

31. 25
Table.2.2 Assignment of Weightage and Ranking
LAYERS SUB-CLASSES RANKING WEIGHTAGE
Geology
Silt, Clay, Sand, Laterite 5
4
3
2
1
13
Charnockite
Garnet, Gneiss, Graphite
Pyroxene granulite
Pegmatite, Granite, Quartzite
Geomorphology
Active flood plain 5
4
3
2
1
20
Fluvial bajada
Pedi plain ,Pediment
Denudational hills & valley
Structural hills & valley
Drainage density
(in km/sq.km)
> 4 5
4
3
2
1
12
3 - 4
2 - 3
1 - 2
< 1
Lineament density
(in km/sq.km)
> 0.69 5
4
3
2
1
11
0.45 – 0.69
0.25 – 0.45
0.10 – 0.25
< 0.10
Land use/land cover
Water body 5
4
3
2
1
8
Forest
Agriculture crop land
Agriculture fallow land
Built-up land
Soil texture
Sandy 5
4
3
2
1
5
Sandy loamy
Gravelly loamy
Loamy
Cracking clay
Slope (in degree)
< 5 5
4
3
2
1
10
5 – 10
10 – 15
15 – 20
> 20
Annual average
rainfall (in mm)
> 840 5
4
3
2
1
6
780– 840
720 – 780
660 – 720
<660
Soil depth (in cm)
> 20 5
4
3
2
1
15
15– 20
10 – 15
10 – 5
< 5

32. 26
3.5 Integration of Thematic Layers
A single groundwater potential zone map is prepared by integrating all the thematic layers
required for groundwater favourable zone. Spatial data analysis is an analytical geographic
phenomenon together with their spatial dimension and their relative attributes viz, table analysis,
classification, polygon classification and weight classification. The thematic layers of slope, land
use/land cover, drainage density, geomorphology, geology, lineament density, rainfall, and soil
texture, soil depth were used to delineate the groundwater potential zone in the study area. All these
thematic layers were integrated to differentiate groundwater potential zones.
3.6 Groundwater Potential Index
The weightage of different parameters were assigned on a scale 1 to 100 based on their
influence on the groundwater. Different classes of each theme were assigned rank on a scale 1 to 5
according to their relative influence on groundwater. To differentiate groundwater potential zone, all
the nine thematic layers, after assigning weightages and ranks were integrated (overlaid). The total
weightages and ranks, of different polygons in the integrated layer were derived from the following
equation to obtain groundwater potential index.
GWPI =
{[(GMw)(GMr)] + [(GGw)(GGr)] + [(SLw)(SLr)] + [(LUw)(LUr)] + [(DDw)(DDr)]
+ [(LDw)(LDr)] + [(RFw)(RFr)] + [(STw) (STr)]+ [(SDw)(SDr)]}………...(1)
Where,
(GWPI = Groundwater Potential Index) / (GM = Geomorphology)
(GG = Geology) / (SL = Slope) / (LU = Land use/Land Cover)
(DD = Drainage Density) / (RF = Rainfall) / (ST = Soil Texture)
(SD = Soil Depth) / (w = Weightage) / (r = Rank).

33. 27
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
Groundwater Potential Index is a dimensionless quantity that helps in indexing probable
groundwater potential zones in the study area. The range of the index values were divided into four
equal zones and the potential index of different polygons falling under different range were grouped
into one zone. Thus, the entire study area was qualitatively divided into four groundwater potential
zones. The complete process of delineation of groundwater potential zoning is shown in Figure 2.3.
The groundwater potential zones are derived from the following criteria.
1. < Mean – Standard Deviation = Very low potential zone
2. Standard Deviation- Mean to Mean = Low potential zone
3. Mean to Mean + Standard Deviation = High potential zone
4. > Mean + Standard Deviation =Very high potential zone
4.2 Groundwater Potential Zones
The resultant map produced by overlay analysis shows that groundwater potential of the
Vaippar basin is related mainly to lineament, geomorphology, land use/land cover, mean annual
rainfall, soil texture, soil depth, drainage density, geology and slope. The groundwater potential zones
were identified in the eastern part of the basin having very high potential of 4.72% of the total area.
High ground water potential is found in the eastern and central part which is of about
32.37 % of the total area. Low groundwater potential is found in 44.51% of the total area which is
mostly the plateau region. The hilly and central regions have less groundwater potential about 8.64%
of the total area.
Table.2.3 Area Under Various Groundwater Potential Zone
No. GWPZ Area (in sq.km) Percentage area
1 Very high 252.23 4.72
2 High 1728.62 32.37
3 Low 2376.97 44.51
4 Very low 459.86 8.64
5 Mountains 521.68 9.76
Total area 5339 100

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Figure.2.3 Groundwater Potential Zone

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5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The groundwater potential zones were identified by overlaying all the thematic layers using
weighted and rank overlay analysis from the spatial analysis tool in ArcGIS. The groundwater
potential zones were classified as very high potential, high potential, low potential, very low and
mountain occupying an area of 252.23 sq.km (4.72 %), 1728.62 sq.km (32.37 %), 2376.97 sq.km
(44.51 %) , 459.68 sq.km (8.64 %) and 521.68 sq.km (9.76%) respectively of the total area of
Vaippar basin which is about 5339 sq.km.
The groundwater potential zones of Vaippar basin are not only influenced by
geomorphological conditions but also controlled by a variety of physical parameters primarily the soil
depth, soil texture, slope, drainage density, mean annual rainfall, lineament density and drainage
density. Groundwater potential zones, based on using geospatial techniques, clearly indicate that it is
a combination of active flood plain, variation of soil depth, variation in drainage density and
lineament density. These are the favorable conditions having sub-groundwater controlling factors
such as active flood plain, sandy texture soil, forest land, agriculture, less degree slope, stream
network, high mean annual rainfall etc. Graphite and genesis (75.18%), charnockite (19.31%) rocks
are dominantly spread in the Vaippar basin. charnockite and laterite rocks are more suitable for
identification of Ground water potential zone. Active flood plain (2.92%), fluvial bajada (1.41%)
dominantly spreads. In the forest area infiltration more and run off will be less.
The application of integrated geoinformatics technology has proven to be a better tool for
identification of groundwater potential zones in Vaippar basin. The present study demonstrate the
applicability of remote sensing and GIS technique’s in identify groundwater potential zones by
analyzing the influencing factors. The multi-parametric approach using Remote Sensing and GIS
techniques can greatly minimize the time, labor and money and thereby enable quick decision-
making for efficient water resources management. Despite the inherent limitations of multi-criteria
analysis, it is a valuable practical tool for the areas/regions, where data scarcity (in terms of quantity)
is often an obstacle for solving real-world water problems. These results suggest that the high
potential zones will have a key role in future expansion of drinking water and irrigation development
in the study area. The results of the present study suggest the planners that more concentration should

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be given on low groundwater potential zone and there is need to take appropriate steps towards
rainwater harvesting, construction of check dams on streams.

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