Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos

This study focuses on Laos, a landlocked nation located in South-East Asia with sub-tropical climate and highly seasonal rainfall distribution. Laos is one of the world’s least developed countries, and currently witnesses an unprecedented level of development that is highly reliant on its natural re...

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Main Authors: Viossanges, Mathieu, Pavelic, Paul, Rebelo, Lisa-Maria, Lacombe, Guillaume, Sotoukee, Touleelor
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: MDPI 2018
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/91555
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author Viossanges, Mathieu
Pavelic, Paul
Rebelo, Lisa-Maria
Lacombe, Guillaume
Sotoukee, Touleelor
author_browse Lacombe, Guillaume
Pavelic, Paul
Rebelo, Lisa-Maria
Sotoukee, Touleelor
Viossanges, Mathieu
author_facet Viossanges, Mathieu
Pavelic, Paul
Rebelo, Lisa-Maria
Lacombe, Guillaume
Sotoukee, Touleelor
author_sort Viossanges, Mathieu
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description This study focuses on Laos, a landlocked nation located in South-East Asia with sub-tropical climate and highly seasonal rainfall distribution. Laos is one of the world’s least developed countries, and currently witnesses an unprecedented level of development that is highly reliant on its natural resources, including groundwater. There is currently very limited data and no nationwide assessment of shallow (<30 m) groundwater resources to support sustainable management. This study provides a first step towards addressing this issue by (i) identifying the major aquifer units of the country; (ii) integrating localized data and regional maps into an assessment of the groundwater potential; and (iii) producing quantitative maps of key hydrogeological indicators. Eight aquifer units have been described and evaluated: (i) Basement aquifers, (ii) Volcanic aquifers, (iii) Schists, (iv) Paleozoic sedimentary, (v) Karsts, (vi) Limestones, (vii) Mesozoic sedimentary and (viii) Alluvial sediments. The Mesozoic sandstones and the Alluvial aquifers are the most extensive and productive hydrogeological systems in the country. The Volcanic and Karstic aquifers, although poorly known, might also have important potential. This assessment, along with the maps of quantitative aquifer indicators, provide a significant improvement in both spatial resolution and accuracy compared to previously available information. It will likely support improved management plans and the identification of areas with higher potential for groundwater development.
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spelling CGSpace915552025-03-11T09:50:20Z Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos Viossanges, Mathieu Pavelic, Paul Rebelo, Lisa-Maria Lacombe, Guillaume Sotoukee, Touleelor groundwater development water resources mapping hydrogeology aquifers sediment rain river basins case studies oceanography This study focuses on Laos, a landlocked nation located in South-East Asia with sub-tropical climate and highly seasonal rainfall distribution. Laos is one of the world’s least developed countries, and currently witnesses an unprecedented level of development that is highly reliant on its natural resources, including groundwater. There is currently very limited data and no nationwide assessment of shallow (<30 m) groundwater resources to support sustainable management. This study provides a first step towards addressing this issue by (i) identifying the major aquifer units of the country; (ii) integrating localized data and regional maps into an assessment of the groundwater potential; and (iii) producing quantitative maps of key hydrogeological indicators. Eight aquifer units have been described and evaluated: (i) Basement aquifers, (ii) Volcanic aquifers, (iii) Schists, (iv) Paleozoic sedimentary, (v) Karsts, (vi) Limestones, (vii) Mesozoic sedimentary and (viii) Alluvial sediments. The Mesozoic sandstones and the Alluvial aquifers are the most extensive and productive hydrogeological systems in the country. The Volcanic and Karstic aquifers, although poorly known, might also have important potential. This assessment, along with the maps of quantitative aquifer indicators, provide a significant improvement in both spatial resolution and accuracy compared to previously available information. It will likely support improved management plans and the identification of areas with higher potential for groundwater development. 2018 2018-03-12T08:29:53Z 2018-03-12T08:29:53Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/91555 en Open Access MDPI Viossanges, Mathieu; Pavelic, Paul; Rebelo, Lisa-Maria; Lacombe, Guillaume; Sotoukee, Touleelor. 2018. Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos. Hydrology, 5(1):1-24. doi: 10.3390/hydrology5010002
spellingShingle groundwater development
water resources
mapping
hydrogeology
aquifers
sediment
rain
river basins
case studies
oceanography
Viossanges, Mathieu
Pavelic, Paul
Rebelo, Lisa-Maria
Lacombe, Guillaume
Sotoukee, Touleelor
Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos
title Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos
title_full Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos
title_fullStr Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos
title_full_unstemmed Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos
title_short Regional mapping of groundwater resources in data-scarce regions: the case of Laos
title_sort regional mapping of groundwater resources in data scarce regions the case of laos
topic groundwater development
water resources
mapping
hydrogeology
aquifers
sediment
rain
river basins
case studies
oceanography
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/91555
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