Hydrogeological Conditions of a Crystalline Aquifer: Simulation of Optimal Abstraction Rates under Scenarios of Reduced Recharge

A steady state numerical groundwater flow model has been calibrated to characterize the spatial distribution of a key hydraulic parameter in a crystalline aquifer in southwestern Ghana. This was to provide an initial basis for characterizing the hydrogeology of the terrain with a view to assisting i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:TheScientificWorld 2013-01, Vol.2013 (2013), p.1-8
Main Authors: Asiedu, Daniel K., Nude, Prosper M., Chegbeleh, Larry Pax, Fynn, Obed Fiifi, Yidana, Sandow Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Annual rainfall
Aquifers
Computer simulation
Crystal structure
Crystallinity
Equilibrium flow
Geology
Groundwater
Groundwater flow
Groundwater irrigation
Groundwater potential
Groundwater recharge
Hydrogeology
Hydrology - methods
Models, Theoretical
Rain
Resource management
Spatial distribution
Water resources
Water Supply
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Summary:A steady state numerical groundwater flow model has been calibrated to characterize the spatial distribution of a key hydraulic parameter in a crystalline aquifer in southwestern Ghana. This was to provide an initial basis for characterizing the hydrogeology of the terrain with a view to assisting in the large scale development of groundwater resources for various uses. The results suggest that the structural entities that control groundwater occurrence in the area are quite heterogeneous in their nature and orientation, ascribing hydraulic conductivity values in the range of 4.5 m/d to over 70 m/d to the simulated aquifer. Aquifer heterogeneities, coupled possibly with topographical trends, have led to the development of five prominent groundwater flowpaths in the area. Estimated groundwater recharge at calibration ranges between 0.25% and 9.13% of the total annual rainfall and appears to hold significant promise for large-scale groundwater development to support irrigation schemes. However, the model suggests that with reduced recharge by up to 30% of the current rates, the system can only sustain increased groundwater abstraction by up to 150% of the current abstraction rates. Prudent management of the resource will require a much more detailed hydrogeological study that identifies all the aquifers in the basin for the assessment of sustainable basin yield.
ISSN:2356-6140
1537-744X
DOI:10.1155/2013/606375