|
International Journal of Environment Science and Technology
Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
ISSN: 1735-1472 EISSN: 1735-1472
Vol. 12, No. 12, 2015, pp. 3805-3818
|
Bioline Code: st15357
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
|
|
International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, Vol. 12, No. 12, 2015, pp. 3805-3818
en |
Numerical analysis of groundwater flow and potential in parts of a crystalline aquifer system in Northern Ghana
Yidana, S. M.; Alo, C.; Addai, M. O.; Fynn, O. F. & Essel, S. K.
Abstract
The groundwater flow system in a crystalline
aquifer system in parts of Northern Ghana was simulated
and calibrated under steady-state conditions. The objective
was to estimate the regional distribution of a key aquifer
hydraulic parameter (the hydraulic conductivity) and
recharge and also to predict possible effects of different
abstraction and groundwater recharge scenarios on the
sustainability of groundwater resources in the area. The
study finds that the hydraulic conductivity field is quite
homogeneous and has values ranging between 1.70 and
2.24 m/day. There is an apparent dominance of regional
groundwater flow systems compared to local flow systems.
This is probably attributed to the homogeneity in the hydraulic
conductivity field and the absence of complex local
relief. Estimated groundwater recharge ranges between
0.036 and 0.164 m/yr representing 3.6 and 16.4 % of the
local annual precipitation, respectively. Substantial subsurface
inflows and outflows have also been simulated
through general head boundaries. The simulation suggests
that under the current conditions of groundwater recharge
estimated at calibration, the system can sustain increment
in groundwater abstraction by up to 50 % without any
significant changes in the groundwater flow geometry and
drawdowns in the hydraulic heads. However, significant
drawdowns will be expected in the wake of 100 % increment
in groundwater abstraction and a reduction in
recharge by 10 % during the 20-year period. Under such
conditions, the flow geometry will significantly be altered
and a reversal in groundwater flow will be observed.
Keywords
Groundwater flow; Hydraulic conductivity; Lawra district; Recharge
|
|
© Copyright 2015 - International Journal of Environment Science and Technology Alternative site location: http://www.ijest.org
|
|