Disposition of aquifer system, geo-electric characteristics and gamma-log anomaly in the Kuttanad alluvium of Kerala

Abstract

Kuttanad near the western coast of Kerala is a low lying area below mean sea level. The hydrogeological scenario in this wet land dominated tract, known as kole lands, was investigated by using the lithological and geophysical data generated under the R&D exploration programme of Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) during the year 2000, as also other related data generated till the year 2009. The hydrogeology of the tract is complex, and the presence of carbonaceous and organic matter in the soil and sub-soil influences the geochemical and geo-electric characteristics of the sub-surface geological formations as reflected by SP and resistivity logs. The lithologs and geophysical logs of bore wells were used to define the aquifer geometry. While the lateral and vertical variations of the aquifer systems identified were high, the bottom aquifer was relatively brackish over a large area. The gamma log behavior in these granular zones is anomalous and misguiding in nature. The radioactivities recorded against clay horizons were in the range of 130 to 200cps and in the granular zones 150 to 350 cps. The presence of monazite bearing sands at certain depths was responsible for anomalously high gamma counts against granular zones. The water quality in the granular zones was inferred from the electrical logs. The depth of occurrence of high radiation sand beds was also demarcated.