The role of superficial geology in controlling groundwater recharge in the weathered crystalline basement of semi-arid Tanzania

Zarate, E.; Hobley, D.; MacDonald, A.M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6636-1499; Swift, R.T.; Chambers, J.; Kashaigili, J.J.; Mutayoba, E.; Taylor, R.G.; Cuthbert, M.O.. 2021 The role of superficial geology in controlling groundwater recharge in the weathered crystalline basement of semi-arid Tanzania. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 36, 100833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100833

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.

Preview

Text (Open Access Paper)
1-s2.0-S2214581821000628-main.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.
Download (21MB) | Preview

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100833

Abstract/Summary

Study region Little Kinyasungwe River Catchment, central semi-arid Tanzania. Study focus The structure and hydraulic properties of superficial geology can play a crucial role in controlling groundwater recharge in drylands. However, the pathways by which groundwater recharge occurs and their sensitivity to environmental change remain poorly resolved. Geophysical surveys using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) were conducted in the study region and used to delineate shallow subsurface stratigraphy in conjunction with borehole logs. Based on these results, a series of local-scale conceptual hydrogeological models was produced and collated to generate a 3D conceptual model of groundwater recharge to the wellfield. New hydrological insights for the region We propose that configurations of superficial geology control groundwater recharge in dryland settings as follows: 1) superficial sand deposits act as collectors and stores that slowly feed recharge into zones of active faulting; 2) these fault zones provide permeable pathways enabling greater recharge to occur; 3) ‘windows’ within layers of smectitic clay that underlie ephemeral streams may provide pathways for focused recharge via transmission losses; and 4) overbank flooding during high intensity precipitation events increases the probability of activating such permeable pathways. These conceptual models provide a physical basis to improve numerical models of groundwater recharge in drylands, and a conceptual framework to evaluate strategies (e.g., Managed Aquifer Recharge) to artificially enhance the availability of groundwater resources in these regions.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100833
ISSN:	22145818
Additional Keywords:	GroundwaterBGS, Groundwater
Date made live:	28 May 2021 12:37 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/530419

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100833

ISSN:

22145818

Additional Keywords:

GroundwaterBGS, Groundwater

Date made live:

28 May 2021 12:37 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/530419