Evaluating Control of Various Hydrological Factors on Selection of Groundwater-Level Monitoring Networks in Irrigated Areas Using a Geospatial Approach

Abstract

In a complex aquifer system, groundwater levels are highly dynamic in nature and measurement of groundwater levels requires systematic networks of observation wells (OWs) considering hydrological variations. The existing previously developed groundwater monitoring networks make use of limited hydrological input parameters, mainly groundwater level (GWL). In addition to GWL, other factors that influence groundwater availability are required to finalize the number and location of the OWs in a groundwater monitoring network. An understanding of the control of different hydrological factors is essential prior to designing groundwater monitoring networks. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of hydrological factors on the selection and location of OWs using a geospatial approach. This paper presents a case study of the Wainganga basin located in central India, where irrigation takes place both through ground and surface water. Factors examined in the present study are changing seasons, cropping pattern, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), type of aquifer, and GWLs in command and noncommand areas. From the NDVI analysis using moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer data, it may be concluded that, in the absence of GWL data, NDVI can also be an indicator of groundwater utilization in irrigated areas. Results from the study identify preferable zones where OWs may be added (west, southeast, and some central parts of the study area) based on hydrological factors in the complex aquifer system. Parameters described in the study can also be useful in designing, modifying, and periodically reexamining existing groundwater monitoring networks and in facilitating more reasonable monitoring network design.