Groundwater Potential Assessment Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Remote Sensing, and GIS: A Case Study from the Zaafarana Region, Western Coast of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

This study investigates the groundwater potential in the Zaafarana region through an integrated approach combining morphometric analysis, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) modeling, remote sensing, and GIS techniques. A comprehensive morphometric analysis was conducted on the drainage basins, and seven key parameters (drainage density, basin relief, relief ratio, stream frequency, elongation ratio, length of overland flow, and ruggedness number) were selected for integration into an AHP model. Seven thematic layers (geology, slope, drainage density, LULC, lineament density, soil, and precipitation) derived from remote sensing and GIS data were also incorporated into the AHP model. Due to the lack of existing well data for direct validation, sensitivity analysis was performed by adjusting the weights of all seven parameters of the AHP Model of Thematic Maps by ±5% and ±10% to assess the model's robustness. The results revealed significant variations in morphometric characteristics across the drainage basins, influencing groundwater recharge and flow. The AHP model identified areas with high, moderate, and low groundwater potential, providing valuable insights for targeted exploration and management efforts. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the model's robustness, with minor changes in criterion weights limiting the overall groundwater potential zones. This integrated approach effectively assessed groundwater potential in a data-scarce arid region, offering a valuable, sustainable water resource management tool in the Zaafarana region and similar environments.