Groundwater Dynamics in the Middle Brahmaputra River Basin: A Case Study of Shallow Aquifers in Inner Guwahati City, Assam, India

Smitakshi Medhi, Runti Choudhury (), Pallavi Sharma and Bibhash Nath ()
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Smitakshi Medhi: Department of Geological Sciences, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
Runti Choudhury: Department of Geological Sciences, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
Pallavi Sharma: Department of Environmental Sciences, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
Bibhash Nath: Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10021, USA

Geographies, 2024, vol. 4, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: This study investigated the hydrogeological characteristics and groundwater dynamics in the shallow aquifer zones of inner Guwahati city, Assam, India. Sixteen dug wells spread across the city, specifically used for domestic purposes, were selected for this study. Additionally, ten wells were selected for trend analysis. The borehole lithology reveals predominant compositions of clay, sand, and granules, with thin clay cappings indicating significant groundwater potential. Depth-to-water level analysis revealed varying water levels across the study area, with shallow levels in the northern and western regions and gradual deepening toward the eastern and southern parts. The groundwater flow directions show nonuniform patterns and reflect the influence of topography and domestic pumping in urban residential zones. The general groundwater flow direction is toward the Brahmaputra River. Trends in groundwater level, assessed using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope, suggest both falling and rising trends across different locations, indicating complex groundwater dynamics influenced by factors such as recharge, extraction, and topography. However, the long-term rainfall data indicate no significant trend over the studied period, suggesting limited natural influence on groundwater level trends. These findings may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of groundwater dynamics in the study area and are essential for sustainable water resource management and mitigation of groundwater depletion risks.

Keywords: groundwater; monitoring; water level; trend analysis; Guwahati city (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q15 Q5 Q53 Q54 Q56 Q57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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