Integration of Remote sensing, GIS, and AHP in demarcating groundwater potential zones in Pattukottai Taluk, Tamilnadu, India

Groundwater is a major source of water for domestic and industrial purpose in across India, due to scarcity of surface water. The study intended to demarcate groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) with analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for Pattukottai Taluk belongs to Thanjavur district, Tamilnadu, India. Hence, the study used remote sensing technology generated data as a source for the preparation of thematic layers, AHP was used for determining the weightages of various layers with the help of expert’s opinion, and eventually, GIS was utilized to perform the weighted overlay analysis to demarcate the groundwater potential zone of the study area. In addition, sensitivity analysis carried out to determine the highest influence thematic layers for the aforementioned outcome. Furthermore, the study was validated with 78 spatially well-distributed borewell samples’ water level, and yield was measured in the field between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon by using 10HP pump for an 850-liter tank capacity. The study revealed that 15.06% area covered considered as low, 22.82% moderate, 33.27% and 28.85% are considered high and very high groundwater potential zones respectively. The outcome of the study is useful for the decision makers and administrative people to regulate the groundwater for present and future needs. © 2021, Saudi Society for Geosciences.