Evaluation of the Semi-Arid Region Groundwater Storage Potential for Solapur Region, Maharashtra, India

Groundwater storage potential is defined as the total amount of permanent storage that exists in the aquifers. The significance of groundwater storage potential is effectively concerned with climate-related impacts on groundwater resources. The current demand for groundwater for societal needs will hasten the depletion rate of the regional groundwater potential. The present research employs a groundwater modelling tool called MODFLOW to estimate the regional groundwater sensitivity, potential and conceptual simulations of groundwater flow in the study region. The groundwater levels of the Solapur region from 2010 to 2021 were used to investigate the region's groundwater potential, along with other parameters, viz., aquifer type and hydraulic conductivity in both vertical and horizontal directions. The groundwater level shows a sensitive response to the rainfall intensity, but the unconsolidated materials have greater water depths regardless of the season. Consolidated material formations show lower available water depths, irrespective of the season. The simulated results of the study show that the regional groundwater depths are sensitive to hydraulic conductivity in both horizontal and vertical directions. The zone budget's findings shows that the regional inflow and outflow are nearly equal. The study replicates that the Solapur area is semi-arid. As a consequence, this research is relevant to all semi-arid places where groundwater is becoming the dominant source of social requirements. Such a study would be useful for appropriate planning and management of groundwater for future requirements.

Keywords:

Groundwater level, Rainfall, Geology, Modflow, Zone budget.