Advances in hydrogeological methods are enabling a shift from fragmented, qualitative assessments to integrated, quantitative approaches that directly support groundwater management. This session invites contributions that advance such integrated measurement and modeling approaches to improve actionable groundwater resource assessments, including field-scale studies, numerical modeling, and applications in data-scarce regions.
We particularly welcome studies from, or relevant to, the Global South that:
- Integrate hydrogeophysical, hydrological, and geochemical observations
- Apply joint or coupled modeling frameworks, data assimilation, and uncertainty analysis.
- Demonstrate innovative strategies for groundwater monitoring and management in data-scarce regions (e.g., sensor networks).
- Showcase interdisciplinary collaborations linking observations and models to inform sustainable and climate-resilient groundwater use
The Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal is increasingly affected by land use modification, water diversion upstream, settlement expansion and changes in seasonal rainfall. These anthropogenic activities and climatic changes impact surface water availability and increases pressure on groundwater resources for supporting human consumption and ecological requirements. This study aims to quantify spatio-temporal changes in groundwater in and around a protected nature area of western Nepal, where wildlife such as tigers, leopards and rhinos and human beings share water resources. The study area encompasses part of the Bardia National Park, located south of the Siwalik hills and partly underlain by the Karnali fluvial fan. Three ephemeral rivers, the Kauriala, Gerua and Babai transcends north to south in the area. Lack of groundwater data and insufficient information on aquifer characteristics are some of the challenges which hinders sustainable groundwater management. A network on 18 groundwater monitoring wells were dug and installed with 18 pressure sensors and 2 barometers, within the framework of "Save the Tiger" project. Statistical methods and time series analysis were used to quantify groundwater heads changes in response to monsoon rainfall and river stage fluctuation, as a function of distance from the rivers. The monitored data established the hydraulic gradient from northeast to southwest, with average annual groundwater heads ranging between 187 – 143 m above sea level. An annual cycle with declining heads in the hot and dry pre-monsoon, a sharp rise in monsoon followed by gradual decline through winter was observed. Wells closer to the Gerua river along the western border of the National Park had rising heads at start of monsoon, reflecting strong hydraulic connectivity. While wells located further away showed slightly delayed rise of head indicating groundwater abstraction effects on recharge. In the agricultural areas of the Karnali fan between Kauriala and Gerua rivers, south of the National Park, a plateau effect was observed between monsoon rise and winter decline. This suggested a temporary buffering effect due to monsoon recharge against pumping. These insights improve understanding of recharge-discharge dynamics in the ecologically sensitive region. Further work includes developing a groundwater flow model for supporting groundwater management in the area.
How to cite: Phukan, M., Schot, P., and Griffioen, J.: Data-driven Groundwater Assessment in a Human–Wildlife shared Landscape of Nepal’s Terai, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-16208, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-16208, 2026.
Groundwater resources in the Global South are increasingly at risk due to overextraction, contamination, and the impacts of climate variability. These threats are most critical in rapidly growing urban areas, where limited data and inadequate monitoring infrastructure hinder effective resource management. In Dakar, Senegal, the Sebikotane aquifer, a vital freshwater source for the city’s population, has faced severe saltwater intrusion (SWI) caused by decades of overexploitation. Currently, water withdrawals from the aquifer are three times greater than its natural recharge capacity, leading to freshwater wells being increasingly contaminated by saline water.
To address this urgent issue, we present an integrated approach that combines innovative geophysical methods, numerical groundwater modeling, and targeted infrastructure rehabilitation. Advanced techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Time-Domain Electromagnetic (TEM) surveys are used to delineate the freshwater-saltwater interface and identify key subsurface features influencing aquifer behavior. These geophysical datasets are paired with process-based numerical models (e.g., MODFLOW coupled with MT3DMS) to simulate aquifer flow dynamics, track the movement of freshwater and saline fronts, and assess optimal recharge scenarios. Such simulations are critical to predicting how interventions can combat SWI over time and restore aquifer functionality.
A key structural intervention is the reconstruction of the Panthior Dam, originally built to enhance aquifer recharge but rendered ineffective due to repeated structural failures. The dam is proposed to function as a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) system, channeling surface water into the aquifer through natural infiltration. Additionally, a real-time network of piezometers and water quality sensors will be established to monitor chloride concentrations, aquifer levels, and the progress of recharge efforts. This monitoring infrastructure plays a central role in enabling adaptive management by providing actionable insights into both localized and aquifer-wide conditions.
Our approach showcases the necessity of combining geophysical surveys, hydrological modeling, and engineering solutions to develop robust, data-driven strategies for managing saltwater intrusion and securing freshwater supplies. While the focus of this study is on Dakar, the methodology and findings have broader relevance for other vulnerable coastal aquifers in the Global South experiencing similar groundwater challenges. By integrating scientific tools and infrastructure improvements, this work provides a pathway toward more sustainable, climate-resilient groundwater management for regions where limited resources and data scarcity have historically hindered effective action.
How to cite: Tcheheumeni Djanni, A. L., Diop, N., Deme, N., Ndiaye, J. A., Sene, W., and Faye, S.: Integrated Strategies for Managing Saltwater Intrusion: A Case Study of the Sebikotane Aquifer in Dakar, Senegal, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-1268, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-1268, 2026.
Accurate estimation of groundwater abstraction remains challenging in data-scarce regions where pumping records are rarely available and groundwater models are commonly calibrated using only limited parameter information (e.g., specific yield), while others are adopted from literature. This practice can propagate bias and uncertainty into model predictions. We hypothesize that groundwater abstraction can be estimated more reliably when aquifer and pumping parameters are identified sequentially, rather than simultaneously, through iterative conditioning of the parameter space.
To evaluate this concept, we applied a simplified three-parameter groundwater model and generated 20 synthetic groundwater time series, each with unique pumping inputs. When all parameters were estimated simultaneously, strong parameter correlations produced large uncertainties in pumping estimates, with errors ranging from –26% to +185%. To overcome this, we implemented a sequential GLUE (Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation) framework, performing 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations per well per iteration. In each iteration, parameters that showed clear convergence—indicated by narrowing behavioural ranges and reduced coefficients of variation—were fixed before proceeding to the next iteration. This sequential reduction of the feasible parameter space substantially improved parameter identifiability and reduced pumping-estimation uncertainty, yielding abstraction estimates within ±10% of the prescribed synthetic values.
The framework was subsequently applied to 75 observed groundwater time series from field wells (2,600 observations), demonstrating that the sequential approach improves recovery of aquifer parameters and produces realistic estimates of pumping even where no pumping data exist. The results highlight the ability of sequential parameter estimation to mitigate equifinality, expose model structural errors (e.g., when pumping is omitted), and enhance the use of simple groundwater models in data-poor regions.
Overall, this study demonstrates that iterative/sequential parameter identification offers a practical and efficient pathway for estimating aquifer parameters, supporting the development of more complex 2-D and 3-D numerical models, and enabling realistic estimation of groundwater abstraction and aquifer properties in regions with limited hydrological information.
How to cite: kaundal, A. and muddu, S.: Sequential estimation of aquifer parameters to assess groundwater pumping in data scarce regions, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-733, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-733, 2026.
The successful implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies relies on the rigorous characterization of geological formations to ensure long-term geomechanical stability and containment integrity. In regions governed by complex hydrogeological dynamics, establishing a robust geomechanical baseline is paramount for effective early-stage site selection. While conventional site assessment typically depends on localized, high-cost geophysical surveys, regional-scale screening requires a more cost-effective methodology for evaluating baseline crustal deformation. This study evaluates the pre-feasibility of CCUS within the Bogotá and Middle Magdalena Valley basins in Colombia, utilizing an evaluation framework that integrates multiscale remote sensing with a systematic review of secondary hydrogeological and geophysical datasets.
To address the requirement for a regional monitoring framework, this investigation employs Sentinel-1 InSAR time-series (processed via MintPy) to identify millimeter-scale surface displacements. These observations are correlated with GRACE and GRACE-FO terrestrial water storage anomalies, which were statistically downscaled through a Random Forest regression—utilizing FLDAS and land-cover predictors—to achieve spatial alignment with the displacement grid resolution. To enhance the interpretation of these signals, the study incorporates a preliminary review of secondary well-log records and pressure data, specifically targeting the identification of pore pressure anomalies and reservoir overexploitation zones that could compromise storage security.
To systematically organize these diverse datasets, an exploratory assisted learning framework was implemented to categorize regional suitability based on stability proxies and hydrogeological response. Preliminary findings from the Bogotá basin, substantiated by Mann-Kendall trend analysis, indicate pronounced subsidence rates reaching up to 9 cm/year in critical sectors. Quantitative analysis demonstrates a spatial consistency exceeding 70% between groundwater level drawdown and InSAR-measured deformation trends, supported by high statistical significance (p-value < 0.05). The identification of these consistent patterns facilitates the effective filtration of seasonal hydrological noise, thereby establishing a baseline to differentiate between elastic soil responses and long-term subsidence risks. These findings establish a structured and robust workflow for the initial pre-feasibility of CCUS projects in geologically complex sedimentary environments where primary data is inherently limited.
How to cite: Romero, P. and Piña, A.: Use of satellite information and application of assisted learning algorithms for CO2 injection and storage and its implications for groundwater in Colombia, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-16179, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-16179, 2026.
Groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid regions of the global south are increasingly under pressure due to agricultural intensification, population growth, climate variability, and limited monitoring. On the other hand, effective management of these resources requires a detailed understanding of subsurface, flow dynamics, and water quality at scales relevant to decision-making. In Algeria, the Sebaa Basin of the Adrar Province represents a critical area where groundwater, supplied by the transboundary Continental Intercalaire (CI) aquifer, supports rapidly expanding agricultural activities. Despite its socio-economic importance, this hydrogeological system remains poorly characterized due to sparse observational data and limited subsurface information.
To address these challenges, we implemented an integrated hydrogeophysical and hydrochemical study combining Audio-Magnetotelluric (AMT) surveys, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), piezometric measurements, and hydrochemical analyses. Fourteen AMT stations were deployed along a 3 km east–west profile with a spacing of approximately 200 meters to achieve high-resolution imaging of the subsurface. AMT was selected to capture the overall structure and geometry of the aquifer system, revealing depth, thickness, lateral continuity, and structural heterogeneities of the CI aquifer that are not apparent from surface geological observations alone. In parallel, 50 VES soundings were conducted to track variations in piezometric levels, providing insight into localized drawdown effects. Piezometric measurements from existing wells were used to validate the VES interpretations and to map spatial variations in hydraulic head across the study area.
Hydrochemical sampling and analysis were integrated to characterize water quality, assess spatial variability, and identify potential mixing between fresh, slightly mineralized, and more saline groundwater. Major ions and salinity indicators were analyzed to provide additional constraints on aquifer connectivity and flow dynamics. The combined interpretation of AMT, VES, piezometric, and hydrochemical data allowed the development of a comprehensive conceptual model linking subsurface structure to observed hydraulic behavior and water quality patterns. Low-resistivity zones observed in AMT and VES inversions were interpreted as potential groundwater pathways and preferential recharge areas, while high-resistivity anomalies corresponded to consolidated formations or structural highs that limit flow.
This integrated approach demonstrates how coupled geophysical, hydrological, and geochemical methods can overcome limitations associated with sparse data in arid regions. By providing a detailed understanding of both the geometry of the aquifer and the spatial variability of groundwater levels, this study supports sustainable management of a critical transboundary water resource. The results highlight the importance of aligning hydrogeophysical investigations with field-based monitoring and chemical analyses to generate actionable insights for groundwater management.
How to cite: Nemer, Z., Boukhalfa, Z., Boukhlouf, W., Boutadara, Y., Kasdi, A. S., Bouzid, A., and Hamoudi, M.: Integrated AMT and VES investigation of the transboundary Continental Intercalaire aquifer in the Sebaa Basin, southern Algeria, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-210, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-210, 2026.
Crystalline basement aquifers in tropical environments represent a strategic groundwater resource for rapidly growing urban areas. However, their functioning and vulnerability to contamination remain difficult to assess because deep weathering and inherited structures strongly modify the geometry and compartmentalization of saprolite and fractured horizons. This study presents first hydrogeophysical results from the pilot site of the University of Yaoundé I (UY1-PS) in Cameroon, located within Pan-African gneisses of the Yaoundé domain near the Sanaga Shear Zone. Shallow saprolite wells are widespread but often affected by sewage contamination, whereas springs and deep fractured-basement boreholes provide drinking water for users not connected to the distribution network. To assess long-term groundwater behavior, the monitoring of groundwater levels and hydrochemistry, spring discharges, and hydro-meteorological parameters at three stations was initiated in 2025 at UY1-PS.
High-resolution electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys were acquired between 13 July and 13 August 2025 across the campus using a 4point light 10W resistivity meter in a Wenner–Schlumberger configuration. Inter-electrode spacing ranged from 5 to 10 m, and the spatial distribution of the profiles was constrained by campus infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and buried utilities. A total of thirteen 2-D ERT profiles were collected and inverted using RES2DINV. Most inversions yielded RMS misfits below 10% ; a limited number of profiles located in electrically noisy urban sectors displayed RMS values between 10% and 15%, acceptable for hydrogeological interpretation.
ERT images resolve a stratified weathering profile composed of a conductive saprolite horizon (about 20–200 Ω·m), a transition or saprock zone (approximately 200–800 Ω·m), and a more resistive fractured basement at depth (generally 250–1500 Ω·m), locally juxtaposed with fresh basement blocks exceeding 1800-2000 Ω·m. Sharp lateral resistivity contrasts may delineate vertical to sub-vertical fractured corridors of high transmissivity consistent with inherited tectonic control on aquifer compartmentalization .
These results constrain the internal organization of a tropical urban basement aquifer and support transferable hydrogeophysical workflows applicable to crystalline aquifer systems in humid tropical environment.
Keywords: Hydrogeophysics; Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT); hard rock aquifers; humid tropical environments; tropical urban areas, saprolite.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the IRD through the JEAI DELO project https://share.google/8qBqLFSOuMVO4yBIe. The corresponding author was supported by the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) postdoctoral program funded by Campus France. The authors acknowledge Geoazur (Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IRD) and the University of Yaoundé I for their scientific and logistical support.
How to cite: Ndam Njikam, M. M., Mbida Yem, L., Jouffray, F., Bigot-Cormier, F., Viguier, B., Ribodetti, A., Marcaillou, B., Messende, B. L., Koh Minfele, M. R., and Balestra, J.: Electrical resistivity tomography for the characterization of basement aquifers in a humid tropical environment: the start of the pilot site of the University of Yaoundé I (Cameroon), EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-13164, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-13164, 2026.
The intensification of irrigation practices often leads to groundwater overexploitation, resulting in soil salinization in the short term and promoting deeper aquifer salinization in the long term. We consider a case study from Kairouan, central Tunisia, a region characterized by a semi-arid climate and severe water scarcity, to assess soil salinity dynamics under irrigated agriculture.
Soil salinity was monitored by combining two mono-channel frequency domain electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors (EM31 and EM38) and operating them at different heights and orientations along profiles of 50 m length. The resulting multi-configuration FD-EMI profiles were inverted using pseudo-2D inversion approach based on laterally constrained 1D inversion (1D LCI).
The results reveal clear patterns about salinity distribution associated with different irrigation practices using brackish water, both in the short and long term. A systematic transfer of salinity from surface layers to greater depths was observed. However, salinity levels varied among crops, depending on irrigation frequency, applied water volumes and irrigation type (drip versus sprinkler). Seasonal conditions (wet versus dry periods) also show a strong control on salt redistribution.
This study demonstrates that the combined use of two EMI sensors provides an efficient and non-invasive tool for monitoring soil salinity in irrigated agricultural areas. Moreover, the inverse modeling of the EMI data enables a more accurate and quantitative assessment of soil salinity dynamics at different depths under contrasting irrigation systems.
Keywords: Soil salinity, hydrogeophysics, electromagnetic induction, inverse modeling.
How to cite: Allagui, D., Guillemoteau, J., and Hachicha, M.: Assessment of soil salinity using inverse modeling of multi-orientation and multi-elevation EMI data: a case of study from Tunisia, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-12343, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-12343, 2026.
Groundwater in southeastern Senegal faces pressures from climate variability, overabstraction, and geogenic contamination. As part of a Geoscientists Without Borders initiative, we conducted an integrated geoscientific investigation in Saraya, Eastern Senegal, to map groundwater potential, assess water quality, and build local capacity. Transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were acquired, supported by targeted geological mapping and groundwater sampling.
Geophysical imaging identified fractures and deep regolith as the main water-bearing units, though highly variable in extent. The town of Badioula shows promising aquifer continuity with generally good water quality, while Saraya was characterized by poorer water quality.
To complement the geophysical surveys, real-time monitoring was piloted using a LoRa-based network with water level and electrical conductivity sensors linked to a weather station. The system captured rainfall-driven recharge responses and conductivity fluctuations, providing a blueprint for cost-effective monitoring in remote regions.
This integrated approach underscores the value of combining TEM, ERT, geochemistry, and low-cost monitoring to guide sustainable groundwater abstraction in crystalline basement terrains. Beyond technical outcomes, the project strengthened local expertise through MSc training, outreach, and workshops, highlighting hydrogeophysics as a tool for water security.
How to cite: McLachlan, P., Tcheheumeni, A., Uhlemann, S., and Grombacher, D.: Integrated hydrogeophysics, geochemistry, and monitoring for characterization of groundwater resources in Eastern Senegal, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-21789, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-21789, 2026.
The Yarmouk River and its drainage basin are shared by the three riparian states of Jordan, Israel, and Syria. In this semiarid region, the relatively high rainfall makes the basin a crucial water resource for Jordan and an important one for Israel and Syria as well. Within the Lower Yarmouk Gorge, ancient thermal springs discharge, and deep boreholes produce large volumes of artesian groundwater that supply substantial parts of northwestern Jordan.
Based on geochemical and isotopic evidence, a conceptual flow model was developed indicating that these groundwaters are entirely artesian, were recharged more than 10,000 years ago, and originate from distinctly different recharge areas. Large-scale subsurface flow paths extend from the Golan Heights and the Syrian Hauran Plain, while other components are recharged in the Jordanian Ajloun Highlands.
To verify this concept, a numerical flow model was constructed based on a complex, multi-layer hydrogeological framework. The model was calibrated using scarce observation data from Syria, Jordan, and Israel and was subsequently driven by a distributed hydrological model that provided groundwater recharge time series for more than 50 years. In addition, abstraction rates from known well fields were implemented, although these values are conservatively low due to the large number of undocumented pumping activities throughout the basin.
The final transient model, for the first time, encompasses the entire subsurface catchment across national borders and provides new insights into groundwater flow dynamics and the development of extensive depression cones in response to intensive abstraction. The simulated water tables closely match observations, first confirming the conceptual model and second indicating that the resource is approaching its critical limit.
The artesian conditions are expected to diminish in the near future, and the vital contribution of groundwater discharge to the Lower Yarmouk River may cease, with serious consequences for water supply in Jordan and for transboundary water-sharing agreements among the riparian countries.
How to cite: Siebert, C., Roediger, T., Shalev, E., Lutzky, H., Naoum, S., and Salameh, E.: Exploring a trilateral transboundary water resource: The Yarmouk Basin. From geochemistry to numerical modelling, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-17635, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-17635, 2026.
Groundwater resources in the Global South are increasingly stressed by rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and climate variability, yet effective management is often constrained by limited monitoring infrastructure and fragmented datasets. This study presents an integrated groundwater resource assessment of the Toluca Valley aquifer (central Mexico), a complex, multilayer volcanic system that supplies water to municipal, industrial, and agricultural users while also supporting inter-basin transfers to Mexico City.
A multilayer numerical groundwater flow model was developed using MODFLOW and implemented in the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) to simulate aquifer dynamics from 1981 to 2017. The model integrates heterogeneous geological and hydrogeological information, long-term groundwater-level observations from multi-piezometer networks, climate-driven recharge estimates, and spatially distributed abstraction data. Monthly transient simulations were calibrated using a combination of manual and automated parameter estimation, explicitly addressing parameter uncertainty arising from sparse subsurface data. Model validation was strengthened through comparison of MODFLOW-simulated river leakage with independently derived SWAT baseflow estimates, providing cross-model consistency for surface–groundwater interactions.
Results indicate a progressive transition from near-balanced groundwater conditions in the 1980s to persistent storage deficits exceeding 70 million m³/year by 2017, driven primarily by increased abstraction that outpaces recharge. The strongest groundwater declines occur in high-elevation recharge zones, highlighting inequities in resource depletion between recharge areas and demand centers.
By combining accessible public datasets, integrated modeling, and uncertainty-aware calibration, this work demonstrates an inclusive and transferable approach to groundwater characterization in data-scarce regions. The results support evidence-based, locally grounded strategies for sustainable and climate-resilient groundwater governance.
How to cite: Ortiz, F., Xie, Y., Cabeza, J., McClain, M., Zhou, Y., and Maskey, S.: Integrated Groundwater Modeling to Support Sustainable and Equitable Water Management in a Data-Scarce Volcanic Aquifer, Central Mexico, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-21343, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-21343, 2026.
Posters virtual: Tue, 5 May, 14:00–18:00 | vPoster spot A
EGU26-873 | ECS | Posters virtual | VPS8
Geo-statistical and hydrochemical assessment of spring water quality and water sustainability based on WHO standards in the Agadir Ida-Ou-Tanane regionTue, 05 May, 14:45–14:48 (CEST) vPoster spot A
Water resources worldwide are increasingly threatened by growing anthropogenic pressures and inherent hydrogeological constraints, raising concerns about their suitability for domestic use. This study aims to assess the physicochemical quality of certain springs in the Agadir Ida-Ou-Tanane region and evaluate compliance with international thresholds established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. A total of twenty-six water samples were collected across the studied region and analyzed for key parameters including Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Hardness (TH). The EC values ranged from 275 µS/cm to 4210 µS/cm with an average of 1446.15 µS/cm. For Total dissolved solids, values ranged from 135 ppm to 7140 ppm, with Total hardness presented a maximum value of 3217.02 mg/L and minimum value of 188.9 mg/L. Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to provide an integrated evaluation of the overall water quality.Spatial distribution of water quality was further examined through Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation. WQI based classification revealed that 73.1% of the springs were in acceptable quality categories, with 34.6% classified as excellent and 38.5% as good. Despite this generally favorable status, TDS values approach or exceed international thresholds in several locations, indicating the need for region-wide monitoring and treatment strategies. Considering the heavy dependence of rural communities on spring water, these findings underscore the importance of investing in adequate treatment infrastructure and implementing robust protection measures for sustainable water resource management.
How to cite: Raïs, A., Tairi, A., El Mouden, A., Ijlil, S., Ait Moh, H., Hssaisoune, M., and Bouchaou, L.: Geo-statistical and hydrochemical assessment of spring water quality and water sustainability based on WHO standards in the Agadir Ida-Ou-Tanane region, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-873, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-873, 2026.
EGU26-5224 | ECS | Posters virtual | VPS8
Assessing spatio-temporal variations of groundwater level in the Damodar River basin, India using MODFLOWTue, 05 May, 15:03–15:06 (CEST) vPoster spot A
The global demand for groundwater is expected to increase due to changing hydrological and population patterns. Hence, spatio-temporal characterization of groundwater is crucial for its sustainable management options. This study introduces a fully distributed groundwater simulation model, based on the MODFLOW framework, to understand the fluctuations in the groundwater table and basin-scale hydrological dynamics of the Damodar River basin (DRB) in India. Monthly simulations were conducted over a 5-year period (2015–2020) to quantify changes in groundwater head and interactions between the river aquifer and the watershed. Real field abstraction data were used to represent pumping components of water use in the MODFLOW model. Parameter Estimation Test (PEST) based calibration and validation were performed to estimate the unknown hydraulic conductivity and recharge. The model outcomes reasonably align with heads at the observation wells, thereby improving our understanding of the water table in large river basins. The findings highlight the influence of monsoon precipitation and the overall changes observed in DRB. Furthermore, the study combined the tributary stream network and PEST-calibrated recharge, which further enhanced the physical representation and accuracy of the model despite the additional data requirements. Decline in groundwater level was observed, which potentially highlights unsustainable water management practices in the river basin. The results underscore the significance of numerical groundwater models, which are crucial for informed decision-making in robust groundwater planning interventions.
Keywords: Groundwater, MODFLOW, PEST, recharge, river basin
How to cite: Kumari, A. and Pathania, T.: Assessing spatio-temporal variations of groundwater level in the Damodar River basin, India using MODFLOW, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-5224, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-5224, 2026.
