Understanding the Interrelationship of Aquifer Parameters and Sedimentary Characteristics of an Aquifer: A Case Study of WRD Watershed, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra

Abstract

The main focus of the present study was to ascertain close interrelationship between aquifer parameters and textural parameters of sedimentary aquifer-rock. Previously, such type of investigations were either not carried out comprehensively or carried out in restricted way and data were presented locally. The sandstones representing the aquifers from WRD watershed (Lat. 20°15'15"-20°21'05" N and Long. 79°53'55"-79°03'35" E), Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, central India, have been selected for the study. The aquifer performance was evaluated by estimation of aquifer parameters, viz., specific yield, porosity, specific capacity of well, discharge of well and transmissivity. Similarly, their correlations were carried out in relation with the percentages of primary grains (quartz grains) and matrix present in the aquifer-rock. Based upon percentage of matrix rocks were classified into arenites and wackes. The range of specific yield values for the arenites is 19.23% to 37.46% and for wackes it varies between 7.91% and 13.66%. Correspondingly, the transmissivity values are higher in arenites (82.90 to 316.05m²/ day) and lower in wackes (26.93 to 67.72m²/day). The average discharges from the wells penetrating arenite and wackes 649.19 m³/day and 181.71m³/day respectively. The higher values of specific yield and transmissivity in arenite aquifers are due to high percentage of detrital quartz grains, lesser amount of matrix and moderate sorting of the grains. Conversely, the lower percentage of detrital grains, higher amount of matrix and poor sorting of the grains are found responsible for low values of specific yield and transmissivity in the wacke aquifer.