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Mapping Groundwater Potential Zones in the Habawnah Basin of Southern Saudi Arabia: An AHP- and GIS-based Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Abdulnoor A. J. Ghanim

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ahmed M. Al-Areeq

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security (IRC-MWS), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed Benaafi

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security (IRC-MWS), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed S. Al-Suwaiyan

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
    Interdisciplinary Research Center for Construction and Building Materials (IRC-CBM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Amran A. Al Aghbari

    (College of Engineering and Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mana Alyami

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The excessive depletion of groundwater resources and significant climate change have exerted immense pressure on global groundwater reserves. Owing to the rising global demand for drinking water, as well as its use in agriculture and industry, there is an increasing need to evaluate the capacity and effectiveness of underground water reservoirs (aquifers). Recently, GIS has gained significant attention for groundwater exploration because of its ability to provide rapid and comprehensive information about resources for further development. This study aims to assess and map the groundwater potential of a large basin located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Techniques such as GIS and AHP were employed in this study. To perform the delineation for the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ), seven thematic layers were prepared and analyzed. These layers include geology, slope, land use, lineament densities, soil characteristics, drainage density, and rainfall. These variables were carefully considered and examined to identify and categorize areas based on their respective groundwater potentials. The assigned weights to each class in the thematic maps were determined using the well-known analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. This methodology considered the characteristics of each class and their capacity to influence water potential. The results’ precision was verified by cross-referencing it with existing information about the area’s potential for groundwater. The resulting GWPZ map was classified into the following five categories: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The study revealed that approximately 42.56% of the basin is classified as having a high GWPZ. The low and moderate potential zones cover 36.12% and 19.55% of the area, respectively. Very low and very high potential zones were found only in a limited number of areas within the basin. This study holds global importance as it addresses the pressing challenge of depleting groundwater resources. With rising demands for drinking water, agriculture, and industry worldwide, the effective evaluation and management of underground water reservoirs are crucial. By utilizing GIS and AHP techniques, this study provides a valuable assessment and the mapping of groundwater potential in a large basin in southern Saudi Arabia. Its findings and methodology can serve as a model for other regions, supporting sustainable water resource management globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdulnoor A. J. Ghanim & Ahmed M. Al-Areeq & Mohammed Benaafi & Mohammed S. Al-Suwaiyan & Amran A. Al Aghbari & Mana Alyami, 2023. "Mapping Groundwater Potential Zones in the Habawnah Basin of Southern Saudi Arabia: An AHP- and GIS-based Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10075-:d:1179217
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salih Muhammad Awadh & Heba Al-Mimar & Zaher Mundher Yaseen, 2021. "Groundwater availability and water demand sustainability over the upper mega aquifers of Arabian Peninsula and west region of Iraq," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 1-21, January.
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