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

Abstract

This study investigates groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) in the southern coastal regions of India, specifically from Chettikulam to Kolachal, using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The primary objective is to identify suitable locations for sustainable groundwater storage and select subsurface basins for household and irrigation use. The research incorporates multiple thematic layers, including geomorphology, lithology, land use and land cover (LULC), lineament density, drainage density, slope, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and rainfall, to provide a comprehensive analysis of groundwater availability and distribution. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS were employed to normalize and weight each criterion, enabling a weighted index overlay analysis of the eight thematic layers. Groundwater recharge zones were classified into low, medium, and high potential based on cumulative weighted values. The results indicate that the majority of the study area lies in the low to moderate groundwater potential zones, with low-potential zones occupying 46.72%, medium-potential zones accounting for 49.14%, and high and extremely high potential zones representing 2.82% and 1.32%, respectively. These findings highlight the fact that medium- to high-prospective areas have greater potential for groundwater extraction. The study underscores the significance of understanding geological and hydrological complexities such as lithological variations, land use changes, and drainage patterns to support sustainable urban development and groundwater management.