Flood-MAR-Kaz: A Multi-Scale Framework for Preliminary Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge Screening in Kazakhstan

Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR) planning requires more than identifying drought-prone areas, flood occurrence, or locations that appear intrinsically suitable for groundwater recharge. This study formalises the Flood-MAR-Kaz project concept and applies its decision logic retrospectively to documented evidence from four areas in Kazakhstan. Five stages distinguish hydroclimatic need, manageable high-flow sources, receiving-system suitability, risk acceptability, and implementation readiness. Project hydroclimatic analyses, reanalysis and satellite diagnostics, UAV/LiDAR terrain products, and flood-hazard and implementation information were assessed according to their spatial scope and evidential role. Each stage was evaluated as supported, unresolved, or excluded under the assessed conditions. The application identified an unresolved source-verification requirement shared by Koksu, Akyrtobe, Zharbulak, and Zhalkamys. Terrain differences supported distinct questions for subsequent investigation but did not justify ranking recharge feasibility. A detailed Akyrtobe example showed how complementary orthophoto and terrain information could inform surface-routing assessment while leaving source availability, subsurface suitability, and operational readiness unresolved. The contribution is a documented link between available evidence, permissible screening conclusions, and subsequent investigation requirements. This application illustrates preliminary decision support; it does not validate recharge performance, economic viability, or reductions in flood and drought impacts.