loading page

Relevance of topographic control on hydrogeological properties of the weathered granite gneiss aquifer in watershed perspective -- Usri sub-basin, Giridih, India
  • Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar
Vikramshila Society for Social & Education Development

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile

Abstract

Usri, a southward sloping fourth order drainage sub-basin of Barakar river, is located in the northern margin of Chhotanagpur plateau, Giridih, India. Gently sloping undulating landforms devoid of hills and outcrops is main characteristics of this sub-basin. Topographic elevation varies between 310 to 390 m MSL. Geographically it is located between lat 24.38° N to 24.54° N long and 86.07° E and 86.28° E longitudes. Thick weathered horizon developed over homogenous Archean granite-gneiss is the principal unconfined aquifer system. Basement topographic (weathering depth) and water table have been correlated with the surface topographic features (landforms). Presence of considerably thick weathered horizons, devoid of rock exposures, regional uniformity in geomorphic characters and its location at fringe of plateau provides favorable condition for correlation of surface topography with basement topography and water table. It has been observed that basement surface is replica of ground surface only in regional or watershed perspective with reference to common datum. The basement surface is not always exact replica of ground surface at micro watershed scale. In many cases, basement surface is reverse of ground surface. The depth basement has remained constant along the basin water-divide situated near the margin of the plateau. The depth of basement (weathered horizon) is higher in upper reaches than lower reaches on the micro water-divides (upland) as well as in the drainage depressions (channels) within the sub-basin. The upper reaches of the sub-basin mainly along the basin water-divide has better groundwater prospects than lower reaches. There is no definite trend of water table with respect to ground and basement topography. Many places water table is shallow on the micro water-divides (upland) and deep in drainage depressions (channels). The established correlations are likely to be applicable in the other geographical area where similar watershed and geological characteristics exits.