Evaluation of the groundwater recharge potential zone by using GIS and remote sensing in Ziway Abijata sub-basin, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Groundwater is fresh water that is stored in an underground zone, which is less vulnerable to pollution than surface water and communally used for economic, social, and ecological purposes. This study aimed to evaluate groundwater recharge potential by using a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing in the Ziway Abijata sub-basin, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. In the present study, the six parameters of soil drainage, slope, lineament density, drainage density, soil texture, and land use land cover were used. ArcGIS 10.3, ERDAS Imagine 2015, IDRISI Selva 17, Arc SWAT 10.3, and Google Earth Pro were applied. The results revealed that about 58 km2 (2.1%) and 1,442.5 km2 (52.9%) were ranked as excellent and good for the groundwater recharge potential. Consequently, about 1,183.2 km2 (43.4%) was covered by a moderate groundwater recharge zone. Larger parts of the study area were dominated by good and moderate groundwater recharge potential. Based on the results, we recommended that decision-makers, environmentalists, geologists, and other stakeholders will have a critical role in the improvements of the future sustainability and proper management of groundwater in the study area. Further researchers can investigate other ecological parameters and socio-economic data that were not included in the present study. HIGHLIGHTS Evaluating a groundwater recharge potential zone plays a crucial role in the drought-vulnerable area.; Geospatial technology was applied for groundwater recharge potential zone mapping.; The study area was dominated by excellent (2.1%) and good (52.9%) groundwater recharge zones.;