Groundwater Potential Zones Research Articles

Delineation of groundwater recharge zones in lateritic terrains using geospatial techniques

This study attempts to narrow down the groundwater potential zones in a river basin where laterites form the major aquifer rock. The study is attempted in the Ithikkara River Basin (IRB), located in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Groundwater scarcity is a pressing issue in this region, warranting effective management of the groundwater resources. To address this important problem, satellite data (Landsat 8 OLI, SRTM DEM) and geospatial techniques were employed to assess the hydrogeological potential. Various thematic maps such as geology, geomorphology, drainage density, lineament density, slope, land use, relative relief and mean depth to water table were integrated in the spatial platform to derive suitable sites for artificial recharging. The thematic layers were subjected to weighted overlay analysis using QGIS and SAGA GIS to delineate groundwater potential area. The resultant map has been validated with well yield data obtained from the Central Ground water Board, Government of India and field data. It is found that the lower reaches along the western portions of the basin is more suitable for artificial recharging of aquifers, owing to the presence of sedimentary rocks and valley fills.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Using GIS and Analytic Hierarchy Process in Parts of Varanasi and Chandauli Districts

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Using GIS and Analytic Hierarchy Process in Parts of Varanasi and Chandauli Districts

Geospatial and Multi-Criteria Analysis for Identifying Groundwater Potential Zones in the Oltu Basin, Turkey

Geospatial and Multi-Criteria Analysis for Identifying Groundwater Potential Zones in the Oltu Basin, Turkey

An application of remote sensing and GIS used in groundwater potential zones for sustainable urban development in coastal areas between Chettikulam and Kolachal, southern India

An application of remote sensing and GIS used in groundwater potential zones for sustainable urban development in coastal areas between Chettikulam and Kolachal, southern India

Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones using MIF, GIS and RS Techniques in Killa Saifullah District, Pakistan

Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones using MIF, GIS and RS Techniques in Killa Saifullah District, Pakistan

Assessment of groundwater potential zones using geospatial techniques in Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India

Assessment of groundwater potential zones using geospatial techniques in Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India

Comparative Analysis of Remote Sensing-based Models for Determining The Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping

The maintenance of ecological diversity, public health, and economic expansion depends on appropriately managing groundwater supplies. This study focuses on the Markanda Watershed, a region characterized by its diverse topography, and pressing issues such as groundwater over-extraction, seasonal water shortages, and flooding. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP are two highly developed techniques and scientific ideas used in this work to discover groundwater potential zones (GWPZs). The GWPZs are determined employing 12 thematic layers. Using both approaches, these thematic maps are weighted based on their characteristics and water potential. Upon analysis with the AHP and Fuzzy-AHP, four zones – low 0.034% (0.0124 km2) and 13.535278% (4.8727 km2), moderate 44.59% (16.0532 km2) and, 37.17% (13.3812 km2), high 52.923% (19.0523 km2) and 42.2575% (15.21217 km2) and very high 2.450% (0.8821 km2) and 7.0372222% (2.5334 km2) were revealed in this study that indicate different levels of groundwater potential. Validation through Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis indicates that the Fuzzy-AHP model achieves an accuracy of 76.3%, compared to 71.43% for the AHP model. Based on the study’s findings, a targeted groundwater management plan is proposed to optimize resource use and sustainability. High-potential zones should be prioritized for groundwater extraction and recharge. Moderate-potential areas require a balanced approach. Low-potential zones should focus on reducing groundwater dependence and enhancing surface water storage to prevent overexploitation. These strategies aim to ensure sustainable groundwater management, promote ecological balance, and support socio-economic development.

Assessment of Groundwater Potential in Parts of the Coastal Niger Delta, Nigeria: Implications for Well Design

The location, design, drilling and completion of wells for potable groundwater abstraction require exploration and mapping of groundwater potential zones within the geologic framework of any region. In this study, field data acquisition involved seven vertical electrical sounding and three horizontal resistivity profiling (HRP) carried out. Field data were interpreted using IPI2win 1-D software while subsurface lithologic layering and correlation was realized in rockworks v 22. Modelled true geolectric sections after curve matching revealed the study area to be underlain predominantly by clayey lithologic units followed by coarse grained sands with silty sands and fine sands in minor fraction. Total investigation depth range between 314.0m and 510.0m and fresh water was found to occur at a depth of 168m in VES L2, 430m in VES L3 and 154m in VES L6 locations. Iron water was found in some coarse sands at a depth interval of 129 m to 314 m at VES L1 while fresh water in coarse sands underlain by iron water saturated fine sands occurs at a depth interval of 73.20 m to 206 m at VES L2. At VES L3, fresh water saturated coarse sands were found at a depth interval of 131 m to 430m. Boreholes should be drilled to 430m and screened from 131m to 430m at L3. At VES L4, fine sands overlying coarse grained sands were saturated with iron water from 50.20 m to 422m. At VES L6, fresh water saturated coarse grained sandy aquifer was found from 114 m to 154m. Although VES L2, L3 and L6 provides the most suitable prospective locations for fresh water in the area at depths of 168m for L2, 430m for L3 and 154m for L6, lithologic modelling revealed that both coarse sands and fine sands are either juxtaposed or interfingered at the shallow, intermediate and deeper depths, hence, there is strong potential for iron water and fresh water inter-mixing during pumping. All twenty proposed boreholes are recommended not to be pumped at rates exceeding 3,500 l/min. Boreholes should be 450m apart to prevent well interferences and pumping schedule of 10 to 14 boreholes daily will greatly reduce stresses on the well field as well as potential risk from saline intrusion. Three saline water encroachment monitoring boreholes should be sited at 1.5km from L1 and L2 and 2.4km from L7 respectively at the East, West and Southern sections of the plant area.

Aquifer characterization and evaluation of groundwater potential zones in the frontal part of the Himalayas using electrical resistivity tomography technique

Aquifer characterization and evaluation of groundwater potential zones in the frontal part of the Himalayas using electrical resistivity tomography technique

Application of seismic refraction tomography for determining ground water potential zone in the Qularaisi area, Sulaimaniyah city, NE Iraq

Application of seismic refraction tomography for determining ground water potential zone in the Qularaisi area, Sulaimaniyah city, NE Iraq

A Geoinformatics-Based Comparative Study of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approaches of Groundwater Potential Zoning in Ken Basin, India

A Geoinformatics-Based Comparative Study of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approaches of Groundwater Potential Zoning in Ken Basin, India

Delineating Potential Groundwater Recharge Zones in the Semi‐Arid Eastern Plains of Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACTSurface and subsurface anomalies, hydrological conditions, and dynamic interactions between embedded thematic layers influence groundwater recharge potential (GRP). Conducting a GRP study plays an essential role in promoting the sustainable use of groundwater resources amid a growing population and unplanned urbanization. This study focuses on assessing GRP in the semi‐arid eastern plains of Rajasthan by delineating groundwater potential zones (GPZs) using an integrated approach involving remote sensing and geographical information system (RS‐GIS) technique and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. Research findings indicate that the region dominated by fine sand, silt and clay, pediment‐pediplain complex, aeolian sand sheet, higher drainage density, cambisols soil, river channels, floodplains, water bodies, soil hydraulic conductivity and higher surface wetness significantly contributed to good recharge potential in plains of the region. Additionally, lineaments, hills and valleys regulate water movement. A strong negative correlation (–0.78) between decadal‐mean‐depth fluctuation and GPZs frequency classes validates identifying high potential zones in areas with low mean‐depth fluctuation. Sensitivity analysis highlights geology and geomorphology as crucial factors. However, the study addresses potential limitations and challenges, such as data scaling and spatial resolution issues due to nonlinear pixel fusion algorithms and AHP method‐related limitations in model interpretation. The current study presents a convenient approach for improving groundwater resource management in hydrogeologically sensitive and drought‐prone regions.

Groundwater potential zones delineation in Oued Zdin basin using GIS, RS and hierarchical analysis process

Water scarcity poses a significant challenge, particularly in regions with limited rainfall such as Algeria, where groundwater plays a crucial role in supporting both daily life and economic activities. This research aims to evaluate the groundwater potential in the Oued Zdin basin in northern Algeria by utilizing advanced geomatics methods, particularly the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Through the integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study incorporates multiple datasets, including rainfall patterns, topography, geology, drainage networks, land use, and hydrological data to assess areas with high groundwater potential. By applying AHP, the study assigns relative importance to these factors, creating a groundwater potential map that classifies the region into very high, high, low, and poor potential zones. The results indicate that 7% of the basin has very high potential for groundwater recharge, 33% has high potential, while 56% is categorized as low potential, and 4% falls under poor potential. The accuracy of the results is validated through comparison with existing well data, which aligns with the identified high-potential zones. The research demonstrates that combining GIS, RS, and AHP is an effective approach for mapping groundwater potential, offering valuable insights for sustainable water resource management in areas experiencing water scarcity. This methodology presents a scalable model that can be applied to similar regions facing groundwater challenges.

Assessment of groundwater potential zones in Kuwait’s semi-arid region: a hybrid approach of multi-criteria decision making, Google earth engine, and geospatial techniques

Recently, the use and management of water resources have become a critical issue, especially in arid and semi-arid surroundings. In such areas, the importance of mapping groundwater potential zones is unmeasurable since water is a critical human resource. Focused on the semi-arid region of Kuwait, our research integrates Google Earth Engine and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), offering a robust admission to identifying groundwater potential zones. To this end, thirteen criteria including geology, slope, rainfall, elevation, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), drainage density, Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), lineament density, topographic wetness index (TWI), geomorphology, and the water table were integrated to reach a wise decision through AHP-MCDM. Our findings revealed that Kuwait’s groundwater potential zones are extremely well suited to the country’s north and east. Appropriate potential zones with high and moderate degrees encompass 12% and 37%, respectively, while extremely high suitability is less than 1.5%. These findings are based on the input data (mainly rainfall, NDVI, NDWI, and LST). The likelihood of groundwater potential is higher in the lower regions of the country. Over 7500 km2—nearly 50% of the total area—are classified as low potential. Furthermore, Our research shows that combining more factors can increase precision while ensuring the stability of the detection process of GWPZs. Around 242 km2 as promising targets for future groundwater exploitation within Kuwait. Rigorously validated through on-site field observations and corroborated by maps showing the distribution of productive groundwater wells in Kuwait, our results exhibit a considered alignment. It is recommended that we extend the application of our methodology beyond the borders of the studied terrain and urge decision-makers to consider our findings in their strategic planning processes.

A hybrid approach: remote sensing, analytic hierarchy process and geographic information system for groundwater potential mapping in Dediapada, India.

In recent years, the overexploitation of groundwater accompanied by a significant climatic shift has placed a burden on the world's groundwater supply. This has generated a rising need for potential groundwater zones. In recent year the ever-increasing demand for potable water across the world for various groundwater exploration investigation. The present study explores the utility of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) to identify potential water zones in the dry deciduous forest area of Dediapada Taluka, Narmada District, Gujarat, India. Twelve thematic layers of different environmental variables including geology, geomorphology, land use/land cover (LULC), drainage density, lineament density, rainfall, soil, slope, roughness, topographic wetness index (TWI), topographic position index (TPI), and curvature were integrated. GIS mode was subjected to weight analysis using Saaty's 9-point scale. The result was normalized using analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and five distinct groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) were identified namely very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. The area occupied by each category was 6.52%, 3.1%, 60.1%, 14.32%, and 15.99%. The output aids in validation assessment with the existing well data. The groundwater potential zones maps generated using AHP technique can prove beneficial for designing strategies for water management for the present taluka and can be extended to the different talukas also.

Identification of potential groundwater zone for urban development

Abstract An accurate groundwater level prediction approach is needed for more efficient and ideal planning when using groundwater resources, especially during dry and low water periods. Groundwater levels are highly nonlinear and complex due to the influence of topography, meteorology, geomorphology, hydrology, geology, and human activities. A strategy and in-depth knowledge of groundwater potential availability are prerequisites for planned sustainable urban development. This study used a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Four thematic layers were used in GIS to identify groundwater potential zones: slope gradient, rainfall, soil type, and land use/cover. Using weighted analysis in ArcGIS software, all thematic layers were combined to provide a combined groundwater potential map of the study area. Groundwater potential zones were created using ArcGIS 10.8 spatial analysis tools on an overlay of all thematic maps. Groundwater conditions were used to determine the GIS analysis criteria, and each information layer was ranked and weighted accordingly. Finally, groundwater recharge zones were selected and classified into very high, high, moderate, low, and very low based on the cumulative weighted values. The results of the study showed that around 0.2% (4.7 ha) of the area was in the deficient category, 45.8% (1,392 ha) was in the high category, 28.4% (463 ha) was in the medium category, 1.7% (52 ha) was in the low category, and 23.9% (725 ha) was in the very high category.

Geospatial mapping of groundwater potential zones using multi-criteria decision-making AHP approach: A Study of Kadugli District, South Kurdufan, Sudan

Geospatial mapping of groundwater potential zones using multi-criteria decision-making AHP approach: A Study of Kadugli District, South Kurdufan, Sudan

Integrated geophysical investigations of groundwater for sustainable management in Faisalabad region of Pakistan

As global and local populations surge and climate change continue to disrupt surface and groundwater reservoirs, the urgent need arises to explore additional groundwater sources. Ensuring sustainable management necessitates the efficient identification of high-potential zones to meet escalating water demands. This study aims to delineate groundwater potential zones in Faisalabad District, Pakistan, utilizing a cost-effective geoelectrical resistivity survey method. Apparent resistivity data was collected using the Schlumberger electrode configuration and analyzed with the Interpex “IX1D v2 model” to determine true soil layer resistivities and thicknesses with average root mean square error of 5.12%. The results have revealed that the Aquifer thickness ranged from 13.35 to 165.59 m, and resistivity from 23.96 to 1125.0 Ωm. Hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and porosity of aquifers varied from 0.49 to 24.11 m/day (average 8.214 m/day), 35.67 to 1593.98 m2/day (average 567.771 m2/day), and 22.29 to 39.82% (average 37.465%), respectively. Integration of resistivity and geo-hydraulic properties data identified vertical electrical sounding (VES) points 1, 3, 4, and 6 as highly suitable for large-scale freshwater extraction due to having high groundwater potential repositories (coarse sand and gravel formations). Other points had varying suitability: VES points 7 and 8 for shallow wells only, VES points 5, 9, and 10 not recommended due to hard formations, and VES point 2 due to poor groundwater quality. This integrated approach has proven effective in assessing groundwater strata to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3), making it applicable to other geographic locations and informing policy decisions for effective groundwater management.

Geo-electrical investigation for groundwater reserves in the Boranakanive Reservoir Catchment in Tumkur district, Karnataka, India

The groundwater resources have been under significant constraints due to excessive exploitation and climate change. It is imperative to comprehend these dwindling resources' characteristics, given their distribution and occurrence variability across the space and time. A semi-arid climate characterizes the study area and agriculture is the primary occupation, their reliance on groundwater is indispensable due to the lack of surface water sources and erratic rainfall patterns. Consequently, the study employed the Schlumberger array of 200 m-spaced half-current electrodes Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey was conducted at 100 VES locations to identify groundwater potential zones. Further, curve-matching and correlation of lithologies have been carried out from various VES-soundings, and also generated pseudo-cross sections of the subsurface geometry. The results revealed the existence of five geoelectrical resistivity layers as follows layer 1–6 to 422 Ωm, layer 2–8 to 7708 Ωm, layer 3–4 to 37117 Ωm, layer 4–37 to 95059 Ωm, and layer 5–205 to 83142 Ωm. The iso-apparent resistivity maps of the study area reveal values ranging for the first layer 11Ωm - 333 Ωm, the second layer 23Ωm - 5347Ωm, the third layer 11Ωm - 26734Ωm and 10Ωm - 67250Ωm for the fourth layer. The present research determined that the third and fourth layer constitute the principal aquifers due to their fractured structures. As a result, these layers produce a significant quantity of groundwater in the north-eastern (NE) and southern (S) regions of the study region. As a consequence of these findings, further exploration and management of groundwater resources in the study areas can be carried out with valuable insight.

Identification and Validation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Western Saudi Arabia Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Groundwater is an essential water resource utilized for agricultural, industrial, and home applications. Evaluating the variability of groundwater is essential for the conservation and management of this resource, as well as for mitigating the reduction in groundwater levels resulting from excessive extraction. This study aimed to define the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Western Saudi Arabia, utilizing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques, alongside meteorological data. Seven thematic maps were produced based on the regulatory characteristics of geology, drainage density, height, slope, precipitation, soil, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The influence of each theme and subunit/class on groundwater recharge was evaluated by weighted overlay analysis, including previous research and field data. The groundwater potential map was created via the weighted index overlay approach within a GIS. The groundwater potentials were classified into three categories: very poor, moderate, and good zones. The low groundwater potential regions encompass 805.81 km2 (44.91%) of the research area, located in mountainous basement rocks, characterized by high drainage density and steep gradients. The moderate zones comprise 45.67% of the total area, covering 819.31 km2, and are situated in low-lying regions at the base of mountainous mountains. Conversely, the favorable zones, comprising 9.42% of the total area, span 169.06 km2 and are located within the alluvial deposits of the lowlands next to the Wadi Al-Hamd basin and agricultural farms. The results’ accuracy was confirmed by overlaying data from 26 wells onto the designated groundwater potential categories, revealing that all wells corresponded with regions of high groundwater potential. The generated map would contribute to the systematic and efficient management of groundwater resources in this area to meet the rising water demands of Al-Madinah. The groundwater potential map is one aspect of groundwater management. It is also very important to assess this potential further via groundwater temporal monitoring, groundwater balance, and modeling.