Here's how you can map underground water resources using innovative approaches.

Remote sensing is widely use to detect surface manifestation and can also be found usefull in detecting underground water. Something need to be added is that the capability of remote sensing to detect soil moisture is not very accurate because determination of soil moisture from wave frequency of reflected electromagnetic wave should also be followed by secondary data of ground measurement of soil moisture on surrounding area

Groundwater mapping largely depends on aquifer recharge areas. Remote sensing, through multiple techniques, allows these areas to be recognized by observing changes in vegetation, surface temperature and soil, which can indicate the presence of groundwater. These data are of great importance since they constitute insight that allows us to identify areas of interest in which to carry out geophysical tests to confirm the presence of groundwater.

Underwater reservoir mapping requires the use of geophysical technologies, which provide information on possible resource deposits and subsurface structures. In order to help detect geological features and possible reservoir formations, methods such as seismic reflection, electromagnetic methods, gravity and magnetic surveys, and seismic refraction give precise views of the seafloor and subsurface layers. Combining these techniques gives academics and business experts a thorough grasp of subsurface reservoirs, which facilitates exploration and development in offshore locations.

Hydrological models are the most practical tool to be used for groundwater studies. Groundwater are commonly found at very shallow depth. Rainfall, topography and soil datas are collected at surface which should be close to groundwater. Tools for hydrological models are very economical compared to the other methods.

When the only exploration option considered is drilling, lack of drilling density can cause confusion and uncertainty in geological interpretation and hydrogeological models. In these cases, drilling can cause economic losses, especially if there is not enough information to determine where to drill to obtain water and at what depth. Often, allocated budgets allow for a limited number of piercings over large areas, therefore determining piercing location is critical. Additionally, access can become difficult when working in remote areas where extreme topography or significant vegetation cover exists.

Well logging can provide detail and accurate datas. However, it is not economical for groundwater mapping. They were design for oil and gas well which are deep well, where only well logging tools are able to reach. If well logging tools are to be used for groundwater studies or survey, the tools would need to be customised. Major R & D will be required to modify these tools.

Data integration of geophysical surveys, well logs and isotope tracing has been widely used in oil and gas industry. The integration uses sophisticated specialised tools and softwares designed for oil and gas industry. This would be a hugh budget for water resource management.

I studied aquifers on a county/watershed/regional size scope and our most common question we got asked what happens to these aquifers if a project (mining or construction) disturbs them? There can be multiple aquifers stacked vertically and the elevation of the mine or open cut blasting was the most controlling factor in predicting disruption. Complicating the water budget regime is that in mining projects end of life flooding meant that a newer, larger or interconnected aquifer could form. Here mapping was the key layout to see total head and outlets. Where future mining had to plan for the removal of water from past mining by rule, we really had to be able to show where these large pools were and predict the effects of pumping.