Impact of LU/LC and catchment characteristics on Runoff and Groundwater Dynamics of Western Ghats, Karnataka

The main objectives of this project are to: (1) Develop a conceptual ground water model based on detailed hydrogeology, soil and land use pattern; (2) Understand the relationship between rainfall-runoff and groundwater recharge under different forest types; (3) Estimate evapo-transpiration under different forest/land covers across an array of climate and soils distributed over the district; (4) Determine the in-situ soil hydraulic properties (such as infiltration, saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, soil moisture retention characteristics which will give an account of the impact of afforestation and deforestation on soil hydraulic properties. This will help in understanding the role of preferential flow path-ways in groundwater movement and recharge characteristics.