Shallow and Deep Groundwater Resources in Cholistan Desert
Third South Asia Geological Congress Lahore, Pakistan.

This paper presents the results of three different studies, i) groundwater investigations in Cholistan desert,  ii) development of a numerical Model for the management of discovered fresh groundwater (FGW) lens in Cholistan desert, and  iii) regional gravity survey for delineation of subsurface structure and basement rock depth.

As the main outcome of regional groundwater investigations in the Cholistan desert by WAPDA, a huge fresh groundwater body was discovered. The dimensions of the FGW body were more than 80 km long, 15 to 20 km wide with vertical thickness up to 120 m.

A numerical approach was used to propose a mode of exploitation of the discovered FGW lens in Cholistan desert using the USGS model “MODFLOW”. Modeling results indicate the capability of the aquifer to be developed for domestic/livestock water requirements, whereas the results prove the incapability of the aquifer for agriculture water supplies. The movement of fresh/saline interface towards the pumping area in response to various pumping scenarios for domestic/livestock and agriculture water supplies has also been estimated.

Gravity survey for the delineation of subsurface structure and basement rock depth in Mojgrar and Channan Pir area shows the presence of two gravity-high anomalies of 45 mGals, as we move from souotheast to the center of the area. The gravity lows are generally observed to the northern side of the project area having -5 mGals close to Mithra. The maximum depth to the basement rock has been estimated. The basement highs which are found in the project area might have disturbed the overlying rocks in the form of fracturing and folding. These fractures might have acted as conduits for the passage of fluid including water. The folds, particularly the antiforms, might have impeded the flow of groundwater and thus resulted in its accumulation.

Kazi Mujeeb Ashraf
ENRED Consultants, 5-Hina Palace, 37-B, Faisal Town, Lahore, Pakistan.

G. Sarwar
IWASRI, Lahore, Pakistan.

Sajid Rashid
Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Muhammad Sajid Latif
ENRED Consultants, 5-Hina Palace, 37-B, Faisal Town, Lahore, Pakistan.