Unveiling groundwater gems: A GIS-powered fusion of AHP and TOPSIS for mapping groundwater potential zones

IF 4.9 Q2 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Groundwater for Sustainable Development Pub Date : 2025-02-25 DOI:10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101431

S.K. Ray

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Groundwater is indispensable to various sectors like industry, households, and agriculture, yet its assessment remains critical. This research focuses on evaluating potential groundwater zones within the Jamsholaghat watershed, employing a robust geospatial approach. Twelve thematic maps, spanning factors influencing groundwater recharge, namely lithology, drainage density, distance from river, land use and land cover, lineament density, rainfall, hydrological soil group, roughness, geomorphology, topographic position index, slope, and topographic wetness index underwent a multicollinearity check for independence before integration using ArcGIS's weighted overlay analysis. Utilizing a combination of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), each thematic map was ranked based on its relative significance in groundwater recharge. The resulting Groundwater Potential Zone (GPZ) map divided the region into high (40%), medium (52%), and low (8%) potential zones. Notably, the easternmost part emerged as the most conducive for recharge, attributed to factors like favorable lithology (laterite and quartz), geomorphological features (water bodies and flood plains), high rainfall, and gentle slope. This insight can inform targeted interventions for sustainable groundwater management. This practical information empowers water resource managers to prioritize exploration efforts. By focusing drilling activities on high-potential zones, success rates can increase, saving time, money, and minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, understanding recharge-influencing factors can guide land-use practices that promote infiltration, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital resource. This research paves the way for informed decision-making, fostering sustainable groundwater management practices within the Jamsholaghat watershed.

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来源期刊

Groundwater for Sustainable Development Social Sciences-Geography, Planning and Development

CiteScore

11.50

自引率

10.20%

发文量

152

期刊介绍： Groundwater for Sustainable Development is directed to different stakeholders and professionals, including government and non-governmental organizations, international funding agencies, universities, public water institutions, public health and other public/private sector professionals, and other relevant institutions. It is aimed at professionals, academics and students in the fields of disciplines such as: groundwater and its connection to surface hydrology and environment, soil sciences, engineering, ecology, microbiology, atmospheric sciences, analytical chemistry, hydro-engineering, water technology, environmental ethics, economics, public health, policy, as well as social sciences, legal disciplines, or any other area connected with water issues. The objectives of this journal are to facilitate: • The improvement of effective and sustainable management of water resources across the globe. • The improvement of human access to groundwater resources in adequate quantity and good quality. • The meeting of the increasing demand for drinking and irrigation water needed for food security to contribute to a social and economically sound human development. • The creation of a global inter- and multidisciplinary platform and forum to improve our understanding of groundwater resources and to advocate their effective and sustainable management and protection against contamination. • Interdisciplinary information exchange and to stimulate scientific research in the fields of groundwater related sciences and social and health sciences required to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development.