An evaluation of the groundwater resources in the Basement Complex rocks of Kano area, Nigeria, using Landsat-5 TM imagery

摘要

In this study, spectral and structural information contained in Landsat-5 TM imagery were used to assess the groundwater resource potentials of Kano area. Image processing was done on a computer running on WINDOWS NT Workstation 4 using ERDAS IMAGINE version 8.3.1, and Arc/Info 7.1.2 and ArcView GIS version 3.0a. A map of transformed spectral data was produced using tasseled cap transformation and it was interpreted in RGB 312 for groundwater presence in the regolith aquifer of the terrain. Then structural information derived from the imagery was treated in the context of fractures from which a symbological map of fracture density was produced. That map was interpreted in relation to the locations of fracture aquifer of the terrain. On the map of transformed spectral signatures and the symbological map of fracture density, areas favourable for good borehole yields and accumulation of groundwater, respectively can be identified. Based on their spatial distribution the groundwater resource potential is considered to be low. Information obtained from the two maps can be useful in groundwater exploration, and in taking certain management decisions that will help reduce costs for providing water to rural communities in the study area.