The role of geological structures on groundwater occurrence and flow in crystalline basement aquifers: a status review

Abstract

The paper is review on the role of geological structures on groundwater occurrence and flow in Crystalline Basement aquifers. The aim was to study the existing available literatures in order to evaluate structural/lineaments (faults, joints/fractures, folds, shear zone etc.) their influences and controls of groundwater occurrence and flow of bedrock of crystalline rocks of igneous and/or metamorphic origin. Groundwater in the basement aquifers resides/occurs within the weathered overburden and fractured bedrocks which originate from rainfall through the process of hydrological cycle. Remote sensing technique uses satellite imagery or aerial photograph to identify linear features on the ground and attempts to relate these lines to geologic structures capable of transmitting and storing large quantities of groundwater. Faults, joints/fractures and folds act as conduit and make rocks excellent aquifers. These features also, served as channels for groundwater movement which may results to an increased in secondary porosity, permeability and therefore, can results as a groundwater prospective/promising zones in crystalline basement rocks.

Keywords: Basement Terrain, Groundwater, Lineament, Movement, Occurrence