Modeling groundwater recharge potential zones in the Wadi Yalamlam, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Effective management of groundwater resources is vital in arid and semi-arid regions like the Yalamlam Basin. Identifying appropriate places for groundwater artificial recharge is key to addressing water shortages and guaranteeing the long-term viability of aquifers. By combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach with GIS technology, this research offers a thorough framework for evaluating the potential for groundwater recharge. Data collection for the study includes lineament density, slope, drainage density, rainfall, Land Use/Land Cover (LU/LC), soil, elevation, and TWI, among other crucial variables. In this study, lineament density, slope, drainage density, rainfall, LULC, soil, elevation and TWI are the most sensitive characteristics with relative weights of 30, 23, 16, 11, 8, 5, 4 and 3%, respectively. According to the study’s findings, there are many zones in the Yalamlam region with varying capacities for groundwater recharging. Based on the locations that may be used for groundwater recharge, the study’s findings were categorized into five groups: very high (12.7%), high (23.3%), moderate (29.6%), poor (24.4%), and very poor (10%). The validation of the groundwater protection zones was conducted by using eight wells in the basin. As part of the validation process, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the boreholes and the groundwater protection zones (GWPZs) were compared. A strong positive correlation was found between them (0.61). The results of this research can be used for the management of groundwater resources and provide valuable information for the creation of policies that focus on specific actions to boost groundwater recharge. These findings may considerably enhance the effectiveness of efforts aimed at implementing customized methods to encourage groundwater recharge. The results suggest that there are substantial prospects for using artificial recharge in groundwater management and planning to tackle the issue of groundwater availability in the study region.