Comparative Analysis of Different Factors Affecting Groundwater Potential Using Geospatial Techniques.

Groundwater is an essential natural resource for supporting biological existence on Earth. It is also helpful in promoting socioeconomic development. The management of this resource is of utmost importance, particularly when there is over depletion for fulfilling the demand. In this study, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the role of the factors responsible for groundwater potential (GWP) in the Ratmau Rao basin (Uttarakhand). GWP is controlled by various parameters, such as geological formations, slopes, soil types, drainage networks, and surface runoff, for which a thorough study is needed. Geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing technologies are suitable platforms for spatiotemporal monitoring of groundwater storage (GWS). This further helps in the sustainable use and effective management of groundwater. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was implemented in this study within a GIS environment to assess the elements that affect the GWP. The quality and accuracy of hydrogeological inputs can be improved by satellite imagery. Geospatial technologies offer valuable insights into complex hydrogeological systems, which are extremely important for places in Himalayan foothills that are confronted with the issue of groundwater depletion. The study covers an area of 323 km2, utilizing remote sensing technology with field surveys to provide maps related to hydrogeomorphology (HG), drainage density (DD), soil, land use land cover (LULC), lineament density (LD), and slope. Different parameters were analysed using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to evaluate the effects of each criterion on the GWP using the AHP. In this research, among all six factors affecting the GWP, HG affects the GWP the most, with an influencing weight of 0.425, followed by DD (0.227). Furthermore, soil type and LULC had impacts, with weights of 0.127 and 0.108, respectively. LD and slope have the least impact on GWP, as their influence weights are only 0.074 and 0.038, respectively. Overall, HG has the greatest influence on the GWP, followed by DD, soil type, LULC, LD, and slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]