Mapping Groundwater Potential Zones Integrating GIS and remote sensing

Context and Background: Water scarcity is a critical issue in arid regions like Algeria, where groundwater is vital for agriculture, industry, and drinking water. The Western Chelif Basin, including the Western Chelif Basin, faces declining surface water availability due to reduced rainfall and increased water extraction. Mapping groundwater potential is essential for sustainable management but is complex due to diverse geographical, geological, and hydrological factors. Goal and Objectives: This study aims to map groundwater potential zones in the Western Chelif Basin using GIS, Remote Sensing (RS), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The goal is to assess groundwater availability and identify high, medium, and low potential zones to guide sustainable water management. Methodology: The study collected data from meteorological agencies, satellite imagery, geological maps, and field surveys. Key factors like rainfall, slope, lithology, and drainage density were processed and weighted using AHP. These layers were analyzed in GIS to produce a groundwater potential map. Sensitivity analysis and validation with borehole data ensured the accuracy of the results. Results: The groundwater potential map categorized the basin into high, medium, and low potential zones. High potential areas were found in the northern and northeastern regions with higher rainfall and permeable rocks. Low potential zones were in the southern and southeastern parts with steep slopes and lower rainfall. Validation confirmed that high-potential zones aligned with areas of higher borehole yields.