Groundwater is Africa‘s most precious natural resource, providing reliable water supplies for many people. Further development of groundwater resources is fundamental to increasing access to safe water across the continent to meet coverage targets and reduce poverty. There is also an increasing interest in the use of groundwater for irrigated

This book provides comprehensive coverage on the assessment and management of groundwater. It contains the work of international experts in the field of groundwater resource evaluation, characterization, augmentation, restoration, modeling and management.

While most books examine only the classical aspects of hydrology, this three-volume set covers multiple aspects of hydrology, and includes contributions from experts from more than 30 countries. It examines new approaches, addresses growing concerns about hydrological and ecological connectivity, and considers the worldwide impact of climate change

Shallow groundwater systems are important as a source of water, for sustenance of stream baseflow, and for wetland and riparian ecosystems. They are also central to waterlogging, and dryland and irrigation salinity problems. Response time to hydrologic change and pollutant loadings is fast among shallow aquifiers, and it is important that hydrogeologists and natural resource managers understand the unsaturated zone processes which links human activity at the soil surface and the underlying groundwater, and vice versa. This volume of papers explores practical aspects of soil and surface water interactions with groundwater, including modelling of flow and contaminant transport in the unsaturated and saturated zones.

Investigating Groundwater provides an integrated approach to the challenges associated with locating groundwater. Uniquely, the book provides a review of the wide range of techniques that can be deployed to investigate this important resource. Many of the practical examples given are based upon Australian experience but the methods have worldwide applicability. The book is published in colour and includes many original diagrams and photographs. Particular effort has been made to provide consistent terminology and SI units are used throughout the text Investigating Groundwater starts with an introduction to the historical significance of groundwater and gives an account of climate change. A description of the occurrence of groundwater in different rock types is then provided. A detailed account of surface water techniques is then followed by an account of the interconnections between surface water and groundwater. Four chapters describing groundwater hydraulics are then followed by four chapters describing the latest geophysical techniques. Once the best location of a borehole is determined using these techniques; chapters then describe appropriate drilling methods to use; provide a wide ranging review of geophysical logging, hydrochemical and isotopic techniques, before concluding with a detailed description of groundwater flow to a well. Written for a worldwide audience of degree level geology/engineering practitioners, academics and students involved in groundwater resource investigation methods; Investigating Groundwater is essential reading for those involved in groundwater research. Key Features: Presents the theoretical background and a detailed description of the techniques used in the investigation of groundwater. Describes the general occurrence of groundwater in different rock types; surface water hydrology and interconnected surface and groundwater systems. Provides detailed descriptions of geophysical techniques (seismic, electrical, gravity and heat) and an account of available geophysical logging methods. Reviews hydrochemical and isotope methods, followed by an account of drilling techniques. Gives a detailed account of radial flow to a well, including appropriate modelling and pump-testing techniques and a consideration of non-linear flow. Of interest to anyone involved in the development of groundwater resources, either for domestic supply, for agriculture or for mining.

Understanding of groundwater flow and solute transport in fractured rocks is vital for analysis of water resources, water quality and environmental protection, geotechnical and engineering projects, and geothermal energy production. This book includes theoretical and practical analyses using numerical modelling, geochemistry, isotopes, aquifer tests, laboratory tests, field mapping, geophysics, geological analyses, and some unique combinations of these types of investigation. Current water resource and geotechnical problems and the techniques now used are also discussed. Aimed at practicing hydrogeologists, engineers, ecologists, resource managers, students and earth scientists.

The Volta River Basin (VRB) is an important transboundary basin in West Africa that covers approximately 410,000 square kilometres across six countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali and Togo. Its natural resources sustain the livelihoods of its population and contribute to economic development. This book provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary review and assessment of the issues and challenges faced. The authors provide a science-based assessment of current and future scenarios of water availability, the demands of key sectors, including agriculture and hydropower, and the environment under changing demographic, economic, social and climatic conditions. They also identify solutions and strategies that will allow available water resources to be sustainably used to improve agricultural productivity, food security and economic growth in the VRB. Overall, the work examines from a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder perspective the solutions and strategies to improve the use of water and other natural resources in the VRB to achieve enhanced food security, livelihoods and economic growth.

The book focuses on the management of the aquatic environment. It is aimed at scientists, students, governmental officials and specialists dealing with groundwater and environment. Its main goal is to inform the reader of ideas, knowledge and experience in terms of a sustainable aquatic environment. The main topics are as follows: Water Bodies and Ecosystems; Climate Change and Water Bodies; Water quality and agriculture; Interaction of Surface and ground waters; Karst Hydrogeology; Continuous Media Hydrogeology; Fissured Rocks Hydrogeology; Hydrochemistry; Geothermics and thermal waters; The role of water in construction projects; Hydrology