Evaluation of Aquifer Properties to Categorize Groundwater Potential in a Part of Southwest Bangladesh Using Catastrophe Theory

This paper evaluated aquifer properties in a part of Southwest Bangladesh to categorize groundwater potential using catastrophe theory (CT). Satellite image, lithologic, pumping test, rainfall and groundwater monitoring data were utilized for this purpose. Lithology-based stratigraphic cross- sections confirm six vertically distributed layers, classified into aquitard composed of surface clay with silt and very fine-grained sand with thickness varying from 1 to –24.4 m, whereas the aquifer comprising fine to coarse sand with 3–67 m thick. Pre- and post-monsoon average annual groundwater levels fluctuate from in 3.12 to 3.86 m and 6.97 to 8.36 m, respectively, while average annual recharge ranges from 0.4 to 0.59 m/yr. Groundwater potential index (GWPI) values, validated with specific capacity records, classified the study area into three zones with GWPI of 0.72–0.81 (moderately good), 0.81–0.87 (good), and 0.87–0.96 (very good), covering 25.44%, 47.60%, and 26.96% of the area, respectively. Sensitivity analysis identified rainfall as the most influential and land type as the least influential factor in defining groundwater potentiality. These results can serve as a foundation for the formulation of guidelines and recommendations for the governmental and affiliated agencies for future groundwater exploration, planning, and management.