Allocating Underground Dam Sites Using Remote Sensing and GIS Case Study on the Southwestern Plain of Tehran Province, Iran

Systematic planning for extraction of underground water resources using the modern techniques is an essential task for appropriate use, protection and management of these vital resources. This study aims to develop a method for determining appropriate locations for underground dam (UGD) construction with the help of geospatial and multi-criteria analysis. This study was conducted over an area of 3396 km2 located in the southwest of Tehran province. The geographic information system, remote sensing and the mathematical method of the analytical hierarchy process were used to produce a map for the five categories from very high potential areas to very low potential ones, which indicate the suitability for UGD construction. The map was produced with the input variables such as precipitation, recharge, geological situation, lineament density, slope, density of the drainage streams and depth of groundwater. The weights for each factor were assigned according to its effect on the groundwater potential, and finally, the map was produced from the spatial weight model. The map showed that the Tehran–Karaj plain has generally an average potential for constructing UGDs with an area of 1562 km2, which covers 46% of the whole study area. The results of this study and obtained maps provide the useful information that can be used by decision makers and managers in exploration and optimal management of groundwater resources.