GIS as a tool for modelling groundwater flow

Groundwater is important and precious freshwater found under the earth's surface. For effective groundwater management, quantitative and qualitative status of groundwater is usually assessed using various groundwater models (such as numerical and analytical model). However, these models usually suitable for major aquifers and application in minor aquifers are always lag behind due to the requirement of extensive and detailed groundwater data. Since all groundwater bodies are significantly important, GIS functionality was explored in this study to model groundwater using minimal and accessible input data. GIS was used to represent the subsurface geology particularly the aquifer system and to model groundwater flow. The model was used to estimate the groundwater discharge for the Lincolnshire Limestone aquifer in the Slea catchment, United Kingdom. Although there is discrepancy between estimated and measured spring discharge, the model has confirmed the usefulness of using GIS tool in modelling groundwater using minimal input data and basic modelling procedures.