Mapping of groundwater potential zones using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and geospatial technique

Abstract

Delineation of the groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) is one of the most vital practices for the sustainable management of groundwater resources. In the present study, the delineation of GWPZs is done using an integrated approach of geospatial technique and fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (a hybrid method that combines fuzzy set theory and AHP). Seven major thematic layers like geology, slope, rainfall, landuse/landcover, soil type, lineament density, and drainage density are used to generate GWPZs map of the area. The final map is delineated into three different GWPZs, namely, high (20.44% of total study region), moderate and low zones both covering more than 79.55% of the total study region. Validation was done by overlaying the existing well yield (WY) and groundwater depth (GD) data on the final map. Results show that an accuracy of 81.81% and 75.75% was found between WY and GD data, respectively.