Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS for Groundwater Potential Zone Delineation: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach

Abstract

In the semi-arid region of Thevur Firka, Salem, Tamil Nadu, including around 87 km², groundwater is vital for fulfilling domestic and agricultural needs. This work uses Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to identify groundwater potential zones. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation is employed to generate spatial patterns in themed maps. Thematic layers were developed utilising satellite data and other maps, encompassing lithology, lineament density, slope, soil type, land use/land cover, elevation, drainage density, and precipitation. A composite Groundwater Potential Index (GWPI) was created by assigning weights to each layer based on relative characteristics. The area is divided into three zones on the final groundwater potential map: high, moderate, and low groundwater potential. The central and northeastern regions of the Firka had reduced groundwater potential owing to advantageous lithology, thick lineament networks, and mild slopes, whereas the southwestern rocky uplands displayed intermediate potential conditions. Statistical validation approaches serve as an efficient instrument for groundwater prospecting and facilitate sustainable water resource management in Thevur Firka.