Groundwater potential zoning in Thirumanimuttar sub-basin Tamilnadu, India—A GIS and remote sensing approach

The main objective of the study is to identify groundwater potential zones in Thirumanimuttar basin with an integrated approach using Remote Sensing and geographical information system (GIS). FCC Image of Landsat TM 30 m resolution data and topographic maps has been used to generate thematic maps like geology, geomorphology, lineament and lineament density, drainage, drainage density, and slope map of the study area. A number of geomorphic units such as Denudational hills, structural hills, Bajadas, Colluvial plain, Pediplain, Deep Pediment and Alluvial plains have been observed. A composite groundwater potential map has been generated as very high, high, medium, low and very low based on the groundwater availability area. The upper, middle and downstream of the basins have been identified as potential zones for groundwater exploration. The regions of lineaments and intersecting lineaments proved for groundwater potential zones. The data generated was validated with field checks and observed to be in conformity with the same.