Development of a hydrogeological conceptual model for shallow aquifers in the data scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin

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dc.creatorWalker, D.
dc.creatorParkin, G.
dc.creatorGowing, J.
dc.creatorHaile, Alemseged Tamiru
dc.date2019-05-27
dc.date2020-01-08T06:00:51Z
dc.date2020-01-08T06:00:51Z
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-27T18:42:02Z
dc.descriptionRural communities in sub-Saharan Africa commonly rely on shallow hand-dug wells and springs; consequently, shallow aquifers are an extremely important water source. Increased utilisation of shallow groundwater could help towards achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) by positively impacting poverty, hunger, and health. However, these shallow aquifers are little studied and poorly understood, partly due to a paucity of existing hydrogeological information in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study develops a hydrogeological conceptual model for Dangila woreda (district) in Northwest Ethiopia, based on extensive field investigations and implementation of a citizen science programme. Geological and water point surveys revealed a thin (3–18 m) weathered volcanic regolith aquifer overlying very low permeability basalt. Hydrochemistry suggested that deep groundwater within fractured and scoriaceous zones of the basalt is not (or is poorly) connected to shallow groundwater. Isotope analysis and well monitoring indicated shallow groundwater flow paths that are not necessarily coincident with surface water flow paths. Characteristics of the prevalent seasonal floodplains are akin to “dambos” that are well-described in literature for Southern Africa. Pumping tests, recharge assessments, and hydrometeorological analysis indicated the regolith aquifer shows potential for increased utilisation. This research is transferrable to the shallow volcanic regolith aquifers that overlie a substantial proportion of Ethiopia and are prevalent throughout the East African Rift and in several areas elsewhere on the continent.
dc.identifierhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/106468
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/163067
dc.languageen
dc.publisherMDPI
dc.rightsOpen Access
dc.sourceWalker, D.; Parkin, G.; Gowing, J.; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru. 2019. Development of a hydrogeological conceptual model for shallow aquifers in the data scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin. Hydrology, 6(2):1-24. doi: 10.3390/hydrology6020043
dc.subjectgroundwater table
dc.subjectaquifers
dc.subjecthydrogeology
dc.subjectmodels
dc.subjecthydrometeorology
dc.subjectmonitoring
dc.subjectsurface water
dc.subjectdischarges
dc.subjectwells
dc.subjectpumping
dc.subjectrain
dc.subjectrivers
dc.titleDevelopment of a hydrogeological conceptual model for shallow aquifers in the data scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin
dc.typeJournal Article

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