Hydrogeomorphological mapping of Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts (Rajasthan) at 1 : 50,000 scale using satellite data

Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan, in the Thar Desert, experience perpetual shortage of water due to scarce and erratic rainfall and high evapotranspiration. Aeolian topography not only renders some stretches of these districts inaccessible but also conceals geological formations (thick sand cover) making it difficult to infer groundwater prospects of the region. However, by preparing hydrogeomorphological maps using remote sensing data, delineation of promising groundwater prospective zones can be carried out. Such mapping using IRS LISS II and SPOT imagery was carried out at 1:50,000 scale for the two districts of Jaisalmer (80 maps) and Bikaner (61 maps). The mapping improved classification as well as locational accuracy of various hydrogeomorphological units as compared to earlier maps prepared on 1:250,000 scale. In Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts 21 and 18 hydrogeomorphological units, respectively, were delineated. Significant hydrogeomorphological units, their distribution and groundwater prospects are discussed in this paper.