Groundwater exploration in a part of Jaisalmer basin of Western Thar Desert using Remote sensing and resistivity methods

Abstract

The Thar desert is the most densely populated arid region among all deserts of the world. The Jaisalmer basin as a part of the Thar desert, is one of the water-scarce regions in India in which sand dunes and desert are major landforms of the area. The lack of moisture due to very low and highly variable rainfall, along with high evaporation conditions makes the desert a draught-prone area. Due to the lack of surface waterbody, the area is in dire need of exploration of groundwater aquifers. Remote sensing along with a resistivity survey was incorporated for groundwater exploration. Optical and microwave images along with secondary data were used to generate thematic maps of all the parameters controlling groundwater development. Slope, elevation, and drainage density maps were made using SRTM DEM data. Landsat-8 and ALOS-PALSAR data were found helpful for lineament density and dunes mapping. Secondary data such as Geology, Geomorphology and Hydrogeology map along were integrated into the GIS platform. From the geological and hydrogeological point of view, the resistivity survey was carried out at thirty-seven locations in the study area. Apart from resistivity and depth of the layer, three other parameters, total longitudinal conductance, total transverse resistance, and the total thickness of the formation demonstrate the state of an aquifer. Eighteen probable sites were identified for groundwater extraction.