Application of TOPSIS and VIKOR Decision Making Models in Site Selection of Flood Spreading Projects in Arid and Semi-Arid Region

Controlling and managing of seasonal and sudden floods in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in areas where surface water is out of reach is necessary. Flood spreading is one of the best ways to control surface runoff and recharge groundwater resources. In the present study, the appropriate sites for flood spreading project in border area of Taybad county in Khorasan Razavi province is selected using Boolean logic .For prioritization the suitable locations, TOPSIS and VIKOR multi-criteria decision making methods were used. Firstly, using Boolean logic inappropriate areas based were removed on criteria (slopes greater than 8%, urban area, agriculture and covered pediment). Then, 11 zones were selected as the suitable areas of using TOPSIS and VIKOR models based on the criteria of slope, groundwater quality, geology, alluvium thickness, transmission capability, drainage density, surface permeability, groundwater loss, distance from the village, distance from wells and land use.. Results showed that most suitable areas are located in alluvial fans. Based on the TOPSIS model, location J with value of 0.75 was selected as the best site, and using the VIKOR model, location K with a value of 0.96 was selected as the best location for flood spreading projects.