ZenToks Publication

Chapter 3

Concepts of Groundwater Assessment: Applications of Geophysics and Geotechnics

Abstract/Preface

Groundwater is an essential component of the global hydrological cycle and serves as a major source of fresh water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. It accounts for nearly 30% of the world’s total freshwater resources and provides drinking water for over two billion people globally (FAO, 2021). With increasing pressure on surface water sources, the assessment and management of groundwater have gained renewed interest globally. Effective groundwater assessment requires a combination of hydrogeological, geophysical, and geotechnical approaches to provide a reliable understanding of subsurface conditions and aquifer potential (Ahmed et al., 2020; MacDonald et al., 2012). In many developing regions, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones, groundwater is often the only reliable source of water due to the unreliability or absence of surface water bodies. As such, its proper assessment and management are critical for ensuring water security and supporting sustainable socio-economic development.