Forecasting groundwater potential zones using GIS functionality and analytical hierarchy process (AHP)

Abstract

This article presents the results of the identification of the spatial distribution of groundwater potential zones using remote sensing data and open geospatial databases as the initial, as well as approaches based on the use of pairwise comparison of spatial parameters by assigning weights based on expert estimates (AHP). Using the GIS functions, seven thematic layers were created with the corresponding attributive information: the layer of the geological structure of the territory; the layer of the geomorphological structure of the territory; lineament density layer; surface slope layer; layer of soil types; land use/land cover layer and drainage density layer, which have been assigned different weights to characterize the strength of their influence on groundwater recharge. The spatial distribution of groundwater reserves was determined by integrating the seven thematic layers and their respective percentages through overlay analysis in an ArcGIS 10.5 environment. Three potential zones of groundwater availability were identified: a zone with very high potential, the area of which was 45.3%, a zone with high potential, occupying 36.8%, and a zone of moderate potential, the area of which was 17.9% of the territory of the Gorki district. The results of the study can be used by both local government bodies and researchers to develop the measures to optimize the groundwater resources management