104 A Showcase of Undergraduate Research in Hydrogeology (Posters)
This session is designed for undergraduates presenting research and senior theses in the field of hydrogeology. Prizes will be awarded for top presentations. Employers and graduate advisers are encouraged to attend.
Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1
Understanding Spring Distribution and Groundwater Resources in Mountain Aquifers: A Case Study from Galkot Municipality, Baglung District, Nepal
Paper number: 104-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Authors
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Bala Ram Upadhyaya Presenting AuthorWater Resources Research and Development Centre, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Lalitpur
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Ananta PradhanWater Resources Research and Development Centre, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Lalitpur
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Sanjeeb BaralWater Resources Research and Development Centre, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Lalitpur
Abstract
This study investigates the spatial distribution of springs and evaluates groundwater potential within the hilly terrain of Galkot Municipality, Nepal, to support sustainable water resource management. A comprehensive methodology was adopted, combining spring inventory, geological and geomorphological analysis, GIS-based mapping, and community consultations. A total of 223 springs were recorded, predominantly perennial and depression-type, emerging from lithological formations such as limestone, dolomite, slate, and quartzite. These springs are mainly concentrated in the regions of Dudhilabhati, Harichaur, Narethati, and Arle.
To assess groundwater potential, thematic layers were developed for slope, land use/land cover (LULC), geology, elevation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), drainage density, and lineament density. The frequency ratio method was applied to integrate these factors. The results revealed that 65% of the municipality exhibits moderate groundwater potential, 26% high potential, and 10% low potential. Lineament density was identified as the most influential factor (27%), followed by geology, slope, and drainage density. The predictive model demonstrated reliable performance with an AUC value of 0.77.
The findings highlight that water-scarce areas such as Thalepokhara, Niluwa, and Righa face increased vulnerability to out-migration due to declining water availability. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated hydrogeological mapping and recommends targeted infrastructure development and community-based interventions to enhance groundwater resilience in mountainous regions.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414142
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