Piezometric Modelling of a Hard Rock Aquifer System in An Intertropical Zone: The Case of the Batouri Mining District (South-East Cameroon)

Djangue Moustapha Bouba^1, , Badoga David¹, Kenyane Samaki Emile^{1, 2}, Tamonkem Adzeh Roger¹, Iwoudam Maivow Edmond¹, Kemgang Dogmo Tchouta¹ and Ngounou Ngatcha Benjamin¹

¹Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon

²Departmental Delegation of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT) of Mbere Meiganga, Cameroon

Cite this paper:
Djangue Moustapha Bouba, Badoga David, Kenyane Samaki Emile, Tamonkem Adzeh Roger, Iwoudam Maivow Edmond, Kemgang Dogmo Tchouta and Ngounou Ngatcha Benjamin. Piezometric Modelling of a Hard Rock Aquifer System in An Intertropical Zone: The Case of the Batouri Mining District (South-East Cameroon). Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics. 2024; 12(2):36-43. doi: 10.12691/jgg-12-2-2

Abstract

The economic growth of Batouri and the surrounding area has considerably increased the population. This situation has led to a high demand of water, which much of it is met at the hard rock aquifer system. However, understanding the hydrodynamic functioning of this system remains unveil, which has turn a challenge for water management in the region, due to mining and agricultural activities that is being practised there. To overcome the consequences of these activities, a study was carried out using the modelling technique, by exploiting the linear correlation among the levels of the ground surface and the water table surface, with the thalwegs base surface; in order to map the geometry of the water table over an area of 189 km2. The data used includes boreholes data sheets, field measurements (static and dynamic levels) and a digital elevation model (DEM). The water table elevation deduced from the mathematical model were compared with those measured on the field; this has been revealing a variation of ±1.43 metres. This variation at the scale of the study and the non-synchronous conditions of the measurements is largely acceptable. The comparison indicates satisfactory consistency between the modelled and the observed data, reinforcing the validity of the model. The water table map obtained highlights the presence of numerous domes and reveals a groundwater flow pattern that follows the topography, draining towards surface water. Although the inverse relationship between groundwater and surface water was not clearly established at the study’s scale, it is interesting to note that the hydrological and hydrogeological catchment areas coincide, suggesting a close connection between the two systems. These results provide a solid basis for understanding groundwater flow in the Batouri area. They are essential for scientists and water managers, as they will enable more integrated management of water resources, taking into account the region's expanding economic activities.

Keywords:
modelling piezometry hydrodynamics hard rock aquifer batouri cameroon

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