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Significance of groundwater and potential zones

Short answer

Groundwater supplies drinking and irrigation, affects foundations, slope stability, tunnels, and dams; pumping can cause subsidence. Nepal's zones: Terai – very high; Bhabar – high recharge; Siwalik – low to medium springs; intermontane basins – medium to high; middle hills – low to medium springs; high mountains – low, local.

Write down the engineering significance of groundwater. Mention the different water potential zones of Nepal.

Engineering significance of groundwater

  1. Water supply for drinking, irrigation and industry.
  2. Foundation and excavation: high water table lowers bearing capacity and requires dewatering.
  3. Slope stability: pore pressure reduces shear strength and triggers landslides.
  4. Tunnels: water inflow and flooding; need drainage and grouting.
  5. Dams and reservoirs: seepage, uplift pressure, leakage and piping.
  6. Roads: poor drainage damages subgrade and pavement.
  7. Chemical effects: sulphate and acidic water attack concrete and steel.
  8. Settlement: pumping lowers water table, causing subsidence.
  9. Springs are the main water source in the hills.

Water potential zones of Nepal

ZonePotential
Terai (alluvial plain)Very high; shallow and deep aquifers
Bhabar zoneHigh recharge, deep water table
Siwalik/ChuriaLow to medium, springs
Intermontane basins (Kathmandu, Pokhara)Medium to high
Middle hills (Lesser Himalaya)Low to medium, springs in fractured rocks
High mountainsLow, local in moraines and fractures

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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