Determination of Groundwater Potential Areas Using Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS Techniques in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, North Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

This study utilizes Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques to determine groundwater potential areas in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The research aim to provide insights for water resource management and sustainable development. Data collected includes Landsat imagery, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), soil data, and vector layers. Preprocessing involved data format conversion, spatial reference alignment, and resolution standardization for compatibility and consistency. Spatial analysis extracted topographic parameters from the DEM and supervised classified Landsat imagery for Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps. Six factors, Drainage density, Slope, Soil, Elevation, LULC, and Aspect, were reclassified into low, average, and high groundwater potential indexes. ArcGIS overlay analysis integrated the factors, prioritizing Drainage density, Slope, Soil, and Elevation, to create a composite groundwater potential index. The index was calibrated and classified into five categories: Very Low, Low, Average, Marginally High, and High potential areas. Results reveal diverse groundwater potentials. Very Low areas cover 17,168.23 hectares, Average areas cover 18,534.86 hectares, Marginally High areas cover 19,362.08 hectares, Low areas cover 13,838.41 hectares, and High areas cover 12,757.44 hectares. Spatial distribution shows High potential in settlements like Sabon Gari and Bukkaji, while Very Low potential is found in Wuro Alhaji and Venda. This study contributes to water resource management and sustainable development. Findings aid targeted strategies, benefiting socio-economic development. The research enhances knowledge and informs decision-making for water resource management, fostering development and improving livelihoods in Mubi North LGA.