Spatial data integration andmapping of groundwater potential zones on precambrian terrain of hassan district karnataka india using geomatics application

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 – 6308 (Print),

ISSN 0976 – 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 5, May (2015), pp. 123-134 © IAEME

123

SPATIAL DATA INTEGRATION AND MAPPING OF

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ZONES ON

PRECAMBRIAN TERRAIN OF HASSAN DISTRICT,

KARNATAKA, INDIA USING GEOMATICS

APPLICATION

Basavarajappa H.T1, Manjunatha M.C

1, Basavaraj Hutti

2

1Department of Studies in Earth Science, Centre for Advanced Studies in Precambrian Geology,

University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570006, India

2Geoscience Domain Expert, L&T IES, SEZ-02, Industrial Area, Hootagalli, Mysuru-570018, India

ABSTRACT

Water is the main source of human’s daily life and being used in various fields. Mapping and

integration of lithology, drainage, lineament, soil, slope and other related features are useful in

assessing the groundwater resources of a larger area. Thematic maps have prepared through Visual

Image Interpretation Techniques (VIIT) and integrated by using GIS software’s. The present aim is

to apply the Geomatics tools to demark the groundwater potential zones of the study area. Efforts

have been made to evaluate the groundwater potential zones by assessing the weightage for different

thematic layers based on collateral data and digitization. Various litho units such as granites,

gneisses, schists and quartzites are encountered during field survey. Soil and lineament form the

basic geological structures which are easily identifiable in the Landsat-7 satellite imagery and helps

in understanding the nature of lithology in delineation of groundwater prospect zones. Slope map is

prepared by using Survey of India (SoI) toposheets of 1:50,000 scale. The final result highlights the

favorable conditions of groundwater potential zones in Precambrian terrain of the study area which is

a suitable model in similar geological conditions.

Keywords: Groundwater prospect zones; Precambrian Terrain; Hassan; Geomatics.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY (IJCIET)

ISSN 0976 – 6308 (Print)

ISSN 0976 – 6316(Online)

Volume 6, Issue 5, May (2015), pp. 123-134

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1. INTRODUCTION

Hassan is one of the 27th districts in Karnataka State predominantly depending on

agriculture. The study area show a low, narrow, alluvial plain, the sudden rise of Western Ghats to a

slight drop to the Deccan plateau, a long gradual dip to the Eastern alluvial plain ending (NBSS &

LUP., 2013). Geographically, the district is divided into three regions based on the topography,

climate and rainfall representing the Maidan (plains), Semi Malnad and Malnad regions. Southern

Malnad is a forest hilly region which receives heavy rainfall due to the effects of Western Ghats and

altitude. Malnad and Maiden are the two distinct erosional features noticed during the Ground Truth

Check (GTC). Malnad is observed as high hilly southern region covered with forest, hillocks on the

plain region and undulating to rolling semi-malnad areas; while Maiden is observed as gently sloping

pediments in southern parts, river valleys and tank command areas (CGWB, 2013). The western

parts of the district receive heavy rainfall which decreases significantly in the eastern part. The

groundwater table rises as the monsoon season proceeds. Groundwater targeting is very difficult task

due to their typical hydrological properties of unconfined and fractured aquifer conditions

(Basavarajappa et al., 2013a). It is possible to identify the groundwater potential zones by observing

the terrain features like geological structures, geomorphic units and hydrologic characteristics

through both high resolution satellite images & field studies (Lokesha, et al., 2005) along with GIS

analysis (Rokade et al., 2007). Adaptation of recent methods & techniques for development

strategies in maintaining a high quality of GRI database (Groundwater Resources Information) and

its management at district level are very much necessary for future benefits, groundwater

sustainability. Mapping of the paleo-channels using satellite data provide additional information

regarding water bearing zones like old river courses, fractures and valley fills (Basavarajappa et al.,

2014a).

2. STUDY AREA

It is located in between 12013' and 13

033' N latitude and 75

033' and 76

038' E longitude with

an aerial extent of 6,845 Km2

(Fig.1). It includes 8 taluks namely Alur, Arkalgud, Arasikere, Belur,

Channarayapatna, Hassan, Holenarsipur and Sakleshpur with general ground elevation of 943 m

above MSL (NBSS & LUP., 2013). Climate measures equitably throughout the study area except for

Sakleshpur taluk due to the approach of Western Ghats. Average annual rainfall recorded is 1041mm

during the year 2013 (Fig.2). Temperature ranges from 17 to 280C with mean average of 23.3

0C.

April is generally the hottest month and December the coldest. The principal crops noticed are Rice,

Ragi, Jowar, Paddy, Maize, Oil seeds, Cereals, Sorghum, Coconut, Coffee, Cotton, Groundnut,

Sugarcane, Cocoon, Pulses, Chillies, Cardamom etc. Major horticultural crops grown are fruits:

Banana, Mango, Sapota, Lemon, Guava; Vegetables: Potato, Green Chillies, Tomato, Cabbage,

French beans; Plantation crops: Arecanut, Cashew; Spices: Ginger, Cardamom, Pepper and Turmeric

(CGWB, 2013).



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Fig.1. Location map of the study area

Table.1. Season-wise Average Rainfall of the study area (2001-2010) (Fig.2)

Sl No Taluk Pre-monsoon Monsoon Post-monsoon Annual

1. Alur 214 688 199 1093

2. Arkalgud 179 550 232 961

3. Arasikere 182 360 228 770

4. Belur 227 536 251 1013

5. Channarayapatna 202 338 195 735

6. Hassan 223 556 226 1004

7. Holenarsipur 169 357 199 725

8. Sakleshpur 230 1791 276 2297

Fig.2. Season-wise average rainfall of the study area (2001-2010)



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3. METHODS & MATERIALS

a. Topomaps: 48 O/12, 15, 16; 48 P/9, 10, 13, 14; 57 C/2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12; 57 D/1, 2, 5, 6, 9 of

Suvery of India (SoI) toposheets of 1:50,000 scale; Survey of India, Bangalore.

b. Thematic maps: Lithology, Drainage, Lineament, Soil, Slope and final thematic map.

c. Satellite Image: Landsat-7 (Band: 7, 5, 4) of 30m Resolution (April & May-2003) (Fig.3);

ASTER GDEM of 30m Resolution (Oct-2011).

d. GIS Software’s: Erdas Imagine v2013, ArcGIS v10 and PCI Geomatics v10.

e. GPS analysis: Garmin-12 is used during field visits.

Fig.3. Landsat-7 Satellite Image of the study area

4. LITHOLOGY

Geology of the study area is quite simple comprising 80% of aerial extent by Peninsular

gneisses (PGC). The younger granite occurs as isolated patches and domes. These rocks are

classified as crystalline formations from groundwater point of view. The fracture/ fissure system

developed along with joints and faults traversing the rocks facilitate groundwater circulation and

hold moderate quantity of water. The volcano-sedimentary sequence consisting of conglomerate,

orthoquartzite, quartz-chlorite schist, pelitic schists, iron formations and metavolcanics are noticed



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(Ramakrishna and Vaidhyanadhan., 2008). The schistose rocks are poor aquifers and yield very less

quantity of water of poorer quality. The joint pattern controls movement of water in the metavolcanic

rocks and normally yields better quality water. The prominent schistose rocks noticed in the study

area are belonging to Holenarsipura schist belt which is most important belt for mineralization in

Karnataka, Dharwar Craton. Groundwater in general occurs in the water table conditions in the

weathered and also under semi-confined conditions in the deeper fractures. The major rock

formations encountered are granites, gneisses, schist and quartzite (Fig.4). Low ranges of granitic

hills are noticed in all taluks except Sakaleshpur.

Fig.4. Modified Lithology map of the study area (after NBSS & LUP., 2013)

5. DRAINAGE

The study area forms the part of Western Ghats and Malnad region representing mountains

and thick forest regions. Drainage patterns are the design formed by the aggregate of drainage ways

in an area regardless of whether they are occupied by permanent streams (Howard, 1967) reflecting

the surface and subsurface conditions. Drainage and tanks are digitized using SoI topographical

maps and updated on ASTER GDEM satellite data (30m Resolution) (Ahmed et al., 2010). Major

part of the district lies within the Cauvery river basin, followed by Nethravathi and Krishna river

basins. The perennial prominent rivers such as Cauvery, Hemavathi and Yagachi drain the major

parts of the study area providing surface water (11%) and groundwater (9%) sources for agricultural

activities (CGWB., 2013) (Fig.5).



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Fig.5. Drainage map of the study area

6. LINEAMENT

Lineaments and fractures play a vital role in controlling the movement and storage of

groundwater in hard rock terrain (Subash Chandra et al, 2010; Basavarajappa et al., 2014a; 2014b).

Fig.6. Lineament map of the study area



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Lineaments are often apparent in geological and topographic maps that can appear obvious

on aerial or satellite images (Basavarajappa et al., 2012; Dinakar et al., 2008; Kiran Raj et al., 2014).

Major lineaments are derived manually by Visual Image Interpretation technique and minor

lineaments by Digital Image Processing on Landsat -7 satellite image using the Hydrology tool of

PCI Geomatic v10 (Fig.7). Many major lineaments are trending towards NW to SE, NNW to SSE

and N100E to S10

0W. Most of the fine textured lineaments are noticed in the hilly terrains and

valleys of Western ghats (Fig.6).

Fig.7. Lineaments overlaid on Landsat 7 satellite image

7. SOIL

Soils are essential units in controlling the infiltration of rainwater and surface flow patterns

(Basavarajappa et al., 2013b). The soils display a wide diversity and are quite fertile and majority of

the study area is covered by red soil. These occur in different physiographic units such as hilly

region, hillocks, undulating to rolling lands, gently sloping pediments and valleys. The influence of

parent material is realized in the undulating plain areas where vegetation is of scrub type (NBSS &

LUP., 2013). The main soil types observed in the study area are red soil, red sandy soil, black soil,

mixed soil and silty clay soil (Azadhe and Basavarajappa., 2009).

Red soils are observed in the western taluks derived from granites, laterites & schists. They

are shallow to medium in depth and suitable for growing of coffee, cardamom, areca, paddy and

sugarcane crops. Red sandy soils are noticed in eastern taluks derived from granite, gneisses and

schists. These are shallow, loamy to sandy loamy in texture and are intermixed with coarse gravel,

pebbles showing well drained but poor in moisture retaining capacity. Suitable for growing of crops



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such as paddy, sugarcane, coconut, potato, vegetables ragi, millets, groundnuts and cotton under rain

fed conditions. Black soils are mainly observed in parts of Arsikere taluk and in other parts showing

quite fertile type in nature. These are commonly found in upland, plains, valley and sloping areas

with less than one meter depth due to more degree of erosion. Mixed soils are found to be the

combination of black soils associated with red soils which are originated from gneissic schists and

mafic dyke rocks. Clay soil are deep to moderate deep, well drained which are observed in hills,

ridges, undulating lands and Western ghats of the study area (NBSS & LUP., 2013).

Fig.8. Modified Soil texture map of the study area (after NBSS & LUP., 2013)

The map depicts seven types of soil textures such as Sandy clayey loamy, Sandy loamy, Fine

loamy, Clay skeletal, Sandy loamy, Loamy skeletal and Gravelly clayey loamy textures (NBSS &

LUP., 2013) (Fig.8). These help in proper identification of drainage properties for water

developmental strategic programmes.

Fine loamy texture shows very deep, well drained, dark brown to yellowish red and

associated with clay loam texture observed in moderately to steeply sloping hills. Clayey skeletal

texture of the soil shows very deep, well drained, red to dark red in color and associated with

gravelly clay texture noticed at foot hills and valleys. Loamy skeletal texture shows deep, well

drained, brown to dark brown and associated with gravelly clay loamy texture at hillocks of the

study area (NBSS & LUP., 2013).

8. SLOPE

Slope is an essential aspect for surface water flow and infiltration possibilities. Gentle slopes

encourage more recharge than a steep slope. Slope aspect information has been derived from SoI

toposheet of 1:50,000 scale (20m contour interval) and updated on Landsat-7 image using surface



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tools of ArcGIS v10 (Gurugnanam., 2014). Higher degree of slope results in rapid runoff and

increased erosion rate occur with feeble recharge potential (Magesh et al., 2011; Basavarajappa et

al., 2013b). Plain lands are noticed in eastern parts covering Arsikere, Channarayapatna,

Holenarsipur, Hassan, Arkalgud and parts of Alur and Belur. Moderate to high sloping, undulating

terrain are noticed towards the western parts of the covering Sakleshpur taluk and parts of Alur &

Belur taluks (CGWB., 2013) (Fig.9).

Fig.9. Slope map of the study area

Table.2. Assigned Weightages for Groundwater prospects of the study area Weightage 1 2 3 4

Climate (annual rainfall

in mm) 2250 1700-1000 1000-700 700

Topography (slope %) 1-3 3-5 5-10 10-15

Physiography Steep sloping hills Undulating to rolling

pediments

Gently sloping

pediments Valleys

Drainage texture Poorly drained Moderately drained Well drained Excessively

drained

Soil texture Loam, silt, sandy,

clay loam

Clay loam, silty clay

loam

Loamy and silty clay

loam Sand, fine clay

Soil depth (cm) 20 - 60

Shallow

61-100

(Moderately deep)

101-140

(Deep)

141 - 180

(Very deep)

Water level from ground

surface (mts)

235 – 181

(Hassan)

180 – 131

130 – 81

(Channarayapatna,

Arsikere,

Holenarsipura)

80 – 31

(Arkalgud, Belur,

Alur, Sakleshpur)

Source: CGWB; NBSS & LUP; Zilla Panchayat, Hassan



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9. INTEGRATION

The different thematic layers which are derived from satellite & collateral data are integrated

using GIS analysis to assess groundwater prospect zones more precisely (Basavarajappa et al., 2012;

Inayathulla et al., 2013) (Fig.10). Groundwater potential zones are controlled by various factors and

providing certain weightages of each factor is helpful in deriving the final thematic map providing an

opportunity for target identification.

Fig.10. Integration map of the study area

Fig.11. Groundwater potential zone map of the study area



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The thematic maps are assigned a weightage grades and ranking from 1 to 4, with the value

of 1 representing the poor and 4 representing the very good groundwater prospects zones

(Basavarajappa et al., 2013b) (Fig.11). Groundwater occurs under phreatic condition in weathered &

fractured zone of gneiss, granite, schist and under semi-confined to confined conditions in joints and

fractures of these formations at deeper level. About 50% of the study area is under cultivation and

10% is by forest cover. The depth of weathered zone (shallow aquifer) ranges from less than 10m to

42 m and depth of groundwater ranges from 31 to 235 m. Alluvial formation of limited thickness and

aerial extent is found along the courses of major rivers. Weathered and fractured gneiss is the

predominant aquifer found in the district followed by schistose and granitic aquifers, which occur as

isolated patches (CGWB, 2013).

10. CONCLUSION

A major part of the study area is covered by gneiss acting as the most predominant aquifer.

Very good and good prospect zones are noticed adjacent to the major rivers, streams, major

lineament occupying areas; moderate prospect zones occupies the pediplains, whereas poor prospect

zones occupies barren rocky of Arsikere granite and in southern part of Arkalgud taluk. Artificial

recharge structures such as check dams, percolation tanks, increasing rain water percolation,

increasing the area irrigated, reducing soil erosion, increasing soil fertility, conserving biodiversity

and reclaiming degraded crop should be implemented on extensive scale, especially in over-

exploited areas. Constructions of suitable artificial recharge measures on different terrains to store

the run-off water in rainy season to avoid soil erosion and flood control. Geological characteristics,

lithology, drainage, lineaments, slope shows good relationship and direct influence on groundwater

conditions in the study area. Most of the lineaments show their presence in valley regions and acting

as pathways for groundwater movements. Geomatics application provides large databank

information in solving complex research, planning, management issues and to provide alternative

solutions in future planning, decisions & its benefits.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Authors are indepthly acknowledged to Prof. G.S.Gopalkrishna, Chairman, DoS in Earth

Science, CAS in Precambrian Geology, University of Mysore, Mysore-06; CGWB, Bangalore;

NBSS & LUP, Maharashtra; Zilla Panchayat, Hassan and USGS, Earth Explorer for Satellite images

acquisition.

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