Markov Chain, Entropy and Cross-Association Analyses of Subsurface Sediments of Kantapara Block, Cuttack District, Odisha

ABSTRACT The subsurface geology of the Kantapara block of Cuttack district, Odisha has been worked out using statistical techniques, such as Markov chain, entropy, and cross-association analyses. Markov chain analysis revealed the vertical arrangement of sediments, whereas the cross-association analysis divulged their lateral continuity. The entropy analysis, on the other hand, was conducted to examine the degree of ordering of the entire sedimentation system present at a place. The study suggests that the subsurface sediments are in a disordered state with profuse and haphazard lateral and vertical transitions. The discontinuity of sediments and their arbitrary variations are likely to affect the hydrogeological parameters, such as porosity, specific yield, specific retention, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, diffusivity, storativity, and specific capacity index, which depend on grain size, shape, orientation, packing and sorting of the sediments. Thus, the occurrence, storage and movement of groundwater in the subsurface including water withdrawal from the wells are likely to vary in unsystematic manner.