Groundwater potential zone mapping using geographic information system and remote sensing in the case of upper Jemma sub-basin, North Shewa zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Groundwater is the main source of freshwater for domestic, industrial, agricultural, and ecological uses in the world, including Ethiopia, yet the groundwater potential zone mapping in the upper Jemma area of the Amhara region remains limited. This study utilised six thematic factors, such as lithology, slope, lineament density, drainage density, soil types, and LULC, to delineate the groundwater potential zone map. To map the groundwater potential zone in the study area, GIS and remote sensing integrated with AHP analysis were employed. All thematic layers were assigned weights to their subclasses. AHP analysis of groundwater potential zone mapping resulted in λₘₐₓ = 6.450, CI = 0.0906, and CR = 0.073, indicating an acceptable consistency ratio and reliable weighting of the six thematic factors. The groundwater potential zone map was classified into five classes from very high to very low. Very high and high potential zones cover 34% of the area, medium potential zone 32%, low 25% and very low 9% of the study area, indicating that the study area predominantly falls within the medium to very high groundwater potential zones. The generated groundwater potential zone map was validated using the AUC-ROC and visualization, using well data, with a result of 0.7 and is under moderate validation performance. The findings of this study provide valuable input for future research in the study area and similar areas. It delineates the extent of the groundwater potential zone, providing essential information for local authorities and guiding future water management.