Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping Using Geospatial Technique Based Multicriteria Decision Analysis; Laska Catchment; Omo Basin, Southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

The present study aims to delineate the groundwater potential mapping by using geospatial technology through based Multi-criteria decision (MCD) methods in the Laska catchments, Omo Basin, Southern Ethiopia. Groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) mapping is essential for the most effective use and conservation of this valuable resource. Therefore, regarding the importance of groundwater resources, there is a need to develop a low-cost, quick-to-implement method for assessing groundwater resources and management techniques. Using a combination of geographical information systems based Multi-criteria decision in the present study with nine thematic layers such as Geology, Drainage density, Elevation Slope, Rainfall, Land use land cover(LULC), Lineament density, Soil type, Topographic wetness index(TWI) are preparing and study for Groundwater potential zone model. Weights were assigned to each class in all of thematic layers and sub-thematic criteria based on their characteristics and water potential capability using the Multi-criteria decision technique. The result of the study shows there are three different types of groundwater potential zones: low, moderate, and high. It is shown that 26.36% (105.96 km2) of the research area is in the "high" groundwater potential zone, 64.79% (266.50 km2) is in the "moderate" category, and 8.84% (29.45 km2) area is in the "low" groundwater potential zone of the total study area. The Groundwater potential zone is validated with existing data from water wells and spring yield data in the research area. Finally, this research study is important because it contributes to the understanding of groundwater resources, which enables planning, sustainable management, and effective use for a variety of uses, including irrigation and drinking water, particularly in study regions with water scarcity.