Delineation of Groundwater Potential zone using geospatial tools and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the State of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Abstract Groundwater plays a vital role in global climate change and substantial human needs. However, the groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) delineation is essential for fulfilling livelihood needs. In recent years, studies based on geographic information systems (GIS) have acquired much attention in groundwater exploration. Therefore, in this study, we use a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) based analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model, with overlay weighted linear combination method, to identify the groundwater potential zone in the state of Uttarakhand. Remote sensing (RS) images and conventional data for a geographic information system (GIS) were used to generate nine thematic layers, geomorphology, geology, LULC, drainage density, slope, Rainfall, soil, TWI, and curvature for groundwater potential zone demarcation. In addition, the AHP technique was used to identify the weight of the parameters and GIS tools for the overlay analysis. To determine the groundwater potential zone, a thematic map was given ratings of 'very poor', 'poor', 'moderate', 'good', 'very good' and 'excellent'. The results reveal that the area covered in the 'very poor' categories is 187.43 km2 (0.16%), 'poor' 2109.66 km2 (3.99%), 'moderate' 29024.06 km2 (54.78%), 'good' 15151.13 km2 (28.67%), 'very good' 6537.19 km2 (12.37%), and 'excellent' 814.84 km2 (1.55%) accordingly. The 'very poor' and 'moderate' groundwater potential zones were observed at 0.16% and 54.78%, respectively, and the possibility for GPZ gradually increased from the northeast to the southwest. The findings of this study have implications for future research on sustainable groundwater use, basin management, agriculture, and the link between groundwater and climate change.