Determination of groundwater potential zones using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) between Edirne-Kalkansogut (northwestern Turkey)

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the most important resources when it comes to satisfying the freshwater needs of a region. In recent years, due to the growing climate change threat to water supplies, the importance of groundwater resources has increased. The main aim of this study is to determine groundwater potential zones using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques in the area of Edirne-Kalkansogut, Northwestern Turkey. Several environmental parameters (lithology, fault density, geomorphology, soil, land use and land cover, drainage density, lineament density, precipitation, and slope) were analyzed to determine groundwater potential zones. The weighting of the parameters was conducted using the AHP technique, overlay analysis was carried out on the GIS platform. According to obtained results; 14% of the study area exhibits poor groundwater potential and 47% of the study area has moderate groundwater potential. Good groundwater potential zones and very good groundwater potential zones constitute 31% and 8% of the study area respectively. The groundwater potential increasing gradually from the northeast to southwest. Tundzha Rivers' alluvial flood plain shows very good groundwater potential and most of The Strandzha Massif have poor to moderate groundwater potential. Examination of groundwater characteristics such as groundwater levels, groundwater flow directions, springs and wells' distribution characteristics, and well discharge data verified the results. Findings have great potential to increase the success of water management policies, efficient use of natural resources, physical planning, and sustainable groundwater development between Edirne-Kalkansogut, especially in the brink of climate changes’ unfavorable threats to human life. The methods of this study can be applied anywhere else in the world. The results of this study have applications to the further studies dealing with sustainable groundwater, basin management, agriculture, and climate change-groundwater relationship.