Integrated Hydrogeological Investigation of Northwestern Ethiopia

Hydrogeological mapping in the area is based on the conventional hydrogeological investigation methods and remote sensing technique. Descriptions of the hydrostratigraphic units in the area is mainly based on qualitative interpretation such as degree of weathering and fracturing, existence or absence of springs, vegetation cover, soil cover etc. Landsat 7 ETM+ images of bands 731 are used to make structural analysis of the area. GIS overlay of the lineaments, well yields and groundwater level is used to show the structural control on the groundwater circulation and storage and also to depict the groundwater flow direction. Hydrochemical analysis of water samples indicates that the spring, hand dug well, river and dam waters are calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate type waters, the borehole water partly calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate type, sodium-magnesium-bicarbonate and partly with no dominant cation (Na-Ca-Mg-HCO3) type water. Potential places for groundwater in the area are in the central and southern part, where two or more systems of lineaments intersect.