This book contains the results and findings of the advanced research carried out in a pilot area with a thorough investigation of the structure and functioning of an aquifer in a granitic formation. It characterizes the hard rock aquifer system and examines its properties and behavior as well as systematically details the geophysical, geological and remote sensing applications to conceptualize such an aquifer system.

Papers presented at a workshop held at Hyderabad.

Hard rocks have a strong influence upon the hydrological cycle and their poor ability to transmit, store and yield groundwater may impose constraints upon socio-economic development. This book deals with the new methodologies and the means of exploiting groundwater resources in hard rocks: exploration and well-location, well-building methods, borehole and dug-well designs, methods for the analysis of pumping test data. Case-studies are included.

In hard rock terrain, shallow water wells generally have a poor to moderate yield. Sinking wells deeply to tap yielding fracture zones often backfires, because the borehole may miss the saturated fracture zones at depths. A wrong approach to groundwater exploration in hard rock has therefore often led to unnecessary recurring expenditures and waste

Current manuals and technical books on ground water hydrology contain relatively little specific information on ground water in hard rocks areas, that is mainly igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian shield areas. This work is intented to fill this gap and to inform of the possibilities of finding and developing water resources in hard rocks areas