Application of a Zoning Methodology for Groundwater Suitability on Islands, a Case Study of Pingtan Island, China

Abstract

A groundwater function evaluation systems and associated model was applied to Pingtan Island in China, to support future development, use and protection of groundwater. Groundwater function was assigned to resource, ecology and geological environmental functions, and then further sub-divided, based on hydrogeological conditions, development status, planning and Chine policy requirements. At the same time, it is the first time to try to apply the technical requirements for the division of groundwater resources in island areas. According to the planning and utilization of groundwater resources in Pingtan Island, established a second-level system of shallow groundwater function zoning. Then, by comparing the strong and weak relationships among the groundwater resource function, ecology function, and geological environment function, developed a scoring system of the shallow groundwater function zoning. The division of shallow groundwater function zones in Pingtan Island was finally carried out. The zoning result will play an essential role in the future development, utilization, and protection of groundwater in Pingtan Island. At the same time, it provides the first example for the application of groundwater function zoning in island areas and improves the theoretical results of groundwater function zoning.