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

Surface 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.