Geological Influences on Watershed Hydrology and Command-Area Water Management: Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The hydrology of watersheds is a basic function of their geological features, and these features heavily affect the functioning of irrigated command areas. This review collates the latest scientific research to provide an overview of the control of lithology, geomorphology, bedrock permeability, fractures, aquifer properties, drainage characteristics and geological heterogeneity on infiltration, groundwater recharge, runoff generation, baseflow and surface water groundwater interactions. It also looks at how GIS, remote sensing, AHP, MCDA, hydrochemical analysis, tracer techniques and groundwater-flow modelling can help in evaluating recharge zones, groundwater potential and sub surface connectivity. This review also examines the impact of these hydrogeological controls on seepage of canals, irrigation reliability, groundwater withdrawal, waterlogging, salinity, crop water needs, and conjunctive water use. Results show that for sustainable command area management, integrating the knowledge of the watershed geology with efficient irrigation practice, drainage planning, recharge enhancement, groundwater control, crop diversification and climate responsive options are essential. The study underscores the importance of field validation, aquifer-scale monitoring and spatially explicit decision-support tools to better manage ground water-use, lessen groundwater stress, and enhance long-term water use systems resilience at watershed and command-area scales. This integration can help maintain the reliability of water allocation, sustain landscape functionality and ensure agricultural productivity is matched to the hydrological capacity of landscapes.