Evaluation of groundwater potential zones using GIS and remote sensing in Noyyal Basin, Tamil Nadu, India

Groundwater is a dynamic and replenishable natural resource but in hard rock terrain the availability of groundwater is of limited extent. The occurrence and movement of groundwater in an area is governed by several factors. It is therefore, necessary to integrate several factors on these terrain characteristics. This can be best achieved by geographical information system (GIS). River Noyyal was perennial with good flow till early 70s. In recent years, the scenario has changed drastically and the river has become practically seasonal. River Noyyal receives copious water during northeast monsoon from September to November. The rest of the year it remains more or less dry. While the surface water resources in the area are inadequate to meet the local needs and the groundwater resources also not properly explored. So, various thematic maps have been used for the preparation of groundwater prospective map by integrating geology, geomorphology, slope, drainage and lineament of the study area. The interpretation shows that the entire study area is predominant in moderate to good category for groundwater potential.