IAPRS & SIS, Vol.34, Part 7, “Resource and Environmental Monitoring”, Hyderabad, India, 2002 
  
to third order streams, drainage and drainage density are very 
low. 
Ground water occurs under water table conditions especially 
in the  weathered and fractured portions of crystalline 
formations. The depth of ground water table ranges from 10m 
to 16m below ground level in post-monsoon periods, and a 
few meters to 5m during pre-monsoon periods. The average 
water level fluctuations is around 3.5-7m below ground level. 
4.0 DATA USED AND METHODOLOGY 
The present study was carried out by visual interpretation of 
the satellite imageries of IRS 1C LISS III geocoded standard 
false color composites in the scale of 1:1,25,000 with enlarge 
upto 1:50,000. The Survey of India toposheets were referred 
for the preparation of the base maps. Based on the 
interpretation elements, like tone, texture, pattern, 
association, etc., various geological formations, different 
geomorphological litho units and landuse/landcover 
classifications and lineaments were delineated and verified 
during the field visits. The thematic details thus finalised were 
transferred to the base maps prepared from Survey of 
topographic sheets. 
5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 
The study area consists of Archaean complex of the Southern 
Indian Peninsula, Which is comprising of granites and 
hornblende gneiss. In general, in a large scale lithological 
setup, granites, pink granites and hornblende biotite gneiss are 
formed due to the part of the migmatitic complex, classified 
Geological Survey of India. In Tamilnadu, retrogression of 
charnockites to be banded boitite gneisses by migmatization 
through younger granitic activity has long been known ( 
Narayanasamy et al 1967). 
Vemban et al (1977) have been suggested that the 
tectonic frame work of Tamil Nadu is characterised by two 
distinct blocks of different lithological assemblages on either 
side of the Cauvery river. Ramasamy (1988) has bring out a lot 
information of certain lithological and metallogenic and 
mineralogical assemblages of South India using different 
enhancement techniques. The geological map, prepared by 
visual interpretation of the satellite imagery and the field 
verification. Fig.2 shows there are three distinct litho units are 
identified. The groups are belonging to Archaean group age 
formations are highly dissected and weathered formations of 
hornblende biotite gneiss. The granitic rocks with developed 
joints are found in small isolated pockets in the central and 
southwestern part of the study area. Quarzites exposure are 
seen linear orientations. The laterites exposed in the south, 
southeast, north east and northeastern parts and products of 
weathering of the hornblende biotite gneiss which are very 
rich aluminium oxides and its appears sparse of vegetative 
cover. 
6.0 GEOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES 
In recent years the increasing use of satellite remote 
sensing has made it easier to define the spatial distribution of 
different ground water prospect classes on the basis of 
geomorphology and other associated features Singa et al 
(1990). The delineation of the geomorphic units is based on 
interpretation of remote sensing data as well as observations 
made, some of the field parameters such as topography, relief, 
496 
slope factor, such as soil and vegetative cover.Brief 
description of geomorphic units identified and mapped is as 
follows (Fig.3) 
6.1 Shailow Pediment: 
Shallow pediment is a plain area with erosional bed rock 
consisting of a veneer of detritus and broad undulating rock 
floor. In this units covered large areal extent, falls under 
the run-off and poor groundwater recharge. In this category 
groundwater occurs in fractures and joints portions only. 
Groundwater prospects are poor because of very limited 
thickness of the weathered zone. In this study area shallow 
pediments are occupied all along the boundaries of the study 
area and isolated pockets of northern parts. This area is 
suitable dug cum bore wells. 
6.2 Buried Pediment Medium: 
These units are mainly covered large areal extent and 
distribution in the central southwestern parts of the area. This 
characteristics by light reddish color due to cultivated lands, 
smooth texture and fine drainage system with low -moderate 
weathered thickness zone, the infiltration and percolation 
substantially high. In this horizon groundwater potential 
moderate and suitable for dug wells. 
6.3 Buried Pediment Deep: 
These area comprised of weathered formations is 
considerable depth. Groundwater prospect is good because of 
the recharge of groundwater is high through fractures. In this 
Fig.3 buried pediments are existing southcentral and 
southeastern part of the study area. This zone suitable for 
sunk new bore wells. 
6.4 Landuse/Landcover Maps: 
Agriculture is the most important activity in the study area. 
Most of the rural population is engaged in the field 
agriculture and its allied activites. Land use/land cover change 
is critically linked to the intersection of natural and human 
influences on environmental changes. The changes in the state 
of the biosphere and bio-geochemical cycles are driven by 
heterogeneous changes in landuse and continuation of those 
the title of uses. The information of existing landuse and 
landcover, its spatial distribution and change are essential 
pre-requisite for planning developmental activities. The 
information on the rate and kind of change in the use of land 
resources is essential for proper management planning and 
regularizing the use of such resources (Sankaranarayanan and 
Sen, 1977). The landuse/land cover data are to be need in the 
analysis of environmental processes and problems, that must 
be understood if living conditions and standards are to be 
improved or remained at the current level (Anderson et al 
1976). Fig. 4 shows the landuse/landcover in and around 
University campus. It shows majority of the area covered by 
fallow lands spread over the entire area followed by the dry 
lands and wet lands. A few pockets of the salt affected lands 
are existing in the northeast and central, south west and 
northeastern part of the area. The land with and without 
scrub areas covered only two small pockets in the central and 
south portions.