Award Date

12-1-2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geoscience

First Committee Member

David Kreamer

Second Committee Member

Matthew Lachniet

Third Committee Member

Alexandra Lutz

Fourth Committee Member

Stephen Acheampong

Fifth Committee Member

Vernon Hodge

Number of Pages

92

Abstract

The Cambrian-Precambrian fractured sandstone aquifer in the Nabogo River Basin in the Sahelian Northern Region in Ghana is one of the most important sources for fresh water supply for the local rural communities there. Recent population growth and commercial agricultural interests in this region could have an impact on this critical water resource. Groundwater recharge estimates are determined in this study using the Water Table Fluctuation Method and Chloride Mass Balance and can be applied to future sustainability studies of the region's water resources. Recharge estimates of the Water Table Fluctuation Method are in a range of 10-143 mm/yr or 1-13% of annual rainfall. Chloride Mass Balance groundwater recharge estimates show an annual recharge of 37.06 mm/yr. or 4% of annual precipitation. Recharge source is determined to be from local meteoric waters using stable isotopic analysis of Oxygen (δ18O) and Deuterium (δD). The limitations, advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed in this study as well as the possibilities for future research.

Keywords

Aquifers; Chlorides; Estimate; Fluctuation; Ghana – Nabogo River; Groundwater recharge; Water-supply

Disciplines

Fresh Water Studies | Geology | Hydrology | Water Resource Management

File Format

pdf

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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