CSIR-NGRI

Research Roundup

Estimating natural groundwater recharge from rainfall and AEM data in crystalline aquifer.

Chandra S, Mizan SA.

NEAR SURFACE GEOPHYSICS

This study estimates natural groundwater recharge in crystalline hard rock regions using high-resolution Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) data integrated with rainfall patterns through the Lithology Constrained Rainfall (LCR) method developed at CSIR-NGRI. Dual moment AEM measurements provide detailed conductivity profiles of shallow and deep subsurface layers, revealing lithological features such as resistivity and bedrock depth. These parameters, combined with rainfall, inform recharge estimates validated by water table fluctuations and simulated water levels. Variogram analysis highlights the impact of data density on spatial correlation. The approach supports high-resolution aquifer characterization, advancing groundwater flow modeling and promoting sustainable groundwater resource management.

Dominant soil resistivity and average bedrock depth derived from AEM resistivity data at 2 km × 2 km grid size. High-resolution recharge map using 39,910 airborne electromagnetic (AEM) resistivity model parameters with precipitation for 2013, comparison of recharge estimation and regression plot between water levels.