Groundwater Potential Zonation Through Integration of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems and AHP Techniques in FCT Abuja
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
บทคัดย่อ
Groundwater is a vital freshwater resource supporting domestic, agricultural, and industrial demands, especially in semi-arid regions with limited surface water. This study maps groundwater potential zones in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, using an integrated approach combining Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). These methods enable wide spatial coverage and objective analysis where conventional data are scarce. The study uses thematic datasets—slope, drainage density, lineament density, rainfall, topographic wetness index (TWI), land use/land cover (LULC), geology, and soil type—derived from satellite imagery, government sources, and field surveys (2015–2024). Parameters were weighted with AHP, processed in ArcGIS 10.7.1, and overlaid to produce a composite groundwater potential map. Results show steep slopes dominate over 80% of the area, limiting recharge, while only 2.29% favors infiltration. Moderate to low drainage density supports balanced recharge, while higher densities restrict it. Moderate lineament density aids recharge, though highdensity zones risk contamination. Most areas have low TWI, with small recharge hotspots. Vegetation dominates land cover, supporting infiltration, while urbanization hinders it. Overall, the model identifies high, moderate, and low potential zones, supporting sustainable groundwater management.
Article Details
อนุญาตภายใต้เงื่อนไข Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
เอกสารอ้างอิง
Abdalla F. Mapping of groundwater prospective zones using remote sensing and GIS techniques: A case study from the Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. J Afr Earth Sci. 2012;70:8-17.
Abdullateef L, Tijani MN, Nuru NA, John S, Mustapha A. Assessment of groundwater recharge potential in a typical geological transition zone in Bauchi, NE-Nigeria using remote sensing/GIS and MCDA approaches. Heliyon. 2021;7(4).
Abdulrazzaq ZTA, Aziz NA, Agbasi OE, Etuk SE. Estimation of main aquifer parameters using geoelectric measurements to select suitable well locations in Bahr Al-Najaf depression, Iraq. Groundw Sustain Dev. 2020;11:100-37.
Adaji MU, Adekunle TO, Watkins R, Adler G. Indoor comfort and adaptation in low-income and middle-income residential buildings in a Nigerian city during a dry season. Build Environ. 2019;162:106276.
Adelana SS, Abiye TA, Nkhuwa DC, Tindimugaya C, Oga MS. Urban groundwater management and protection in Sub-Saharan Africa. In: Applied Groundwater Studies in Africa. CRC Press; 2008. p. 241-70.
Adeoti B, Okonkwo CT. Structural geology of the basement complex rocks in Iwaraja area, southwestern Nigeria. Int Lett Nat Sci. 2016;58.
Aggarwal PK, Terzer S, Wassenaar LI, Araguas-Araguas LJ. Global isoscapes for d18O and d2H in precipitation: improved prediction using regionalized climatic regression models. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci. 2013;17(11):4713-28.
Ågren AM, Larson J, Paul SS, Laudon H, Lidberg W. Use of multiple LiDARderived digital terrain indices and machine learning for high-resolution national-scale soil moisture mapping of the Swedish forest landscape. Geoderma. 2021;404:11.
Ajayi OG, Nwadialor IJ, Odumosu JO, Adetunji OO, Abdulwasiu IO. Assessment and delineation of groundwater potential zones using integrated geospatial techniques and analytic hierarchy process. Appl Water Sci. 2022;12(12):276.
Ali J, Islam F, Bibi T, Islam I, Mughal MR, Sabir M, et al. Quantifying the impact of climate change and urbanization on groundwater resources using geospatial modeling. Front Earth Sci. 2024;12:1377367.
Arulbalaji P, Gurugnanam B. Geospatial tool-based morphometric analysis using SRTM data in Sarabanga watershed, Cauvery River, Tamil Nadu, India. Appl Water Sci. 2017;7(7):3875-83.
Bartels SF, Caners RT, Ogilvie J, White B, Macdonald SE. Relating bryophyte assemblages to a remotely sensed depth-towater index in boreal forests. Front Plant Sci. 2018;9:858.
Berghuijs WR, Luijendijk E, Moeck C, van der Velde Y, Allen ST. Global recharge data set indicates strengthened groundwater connection to surface fluxes. Geophys Res Lett. 2022;49(23):e2022GL099010.
Berhanu B, Bisrat E. Identification of surface water storing sites using topographic wetness index (TWI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). J Nat Resour Dev. 2018;8:91-100.
Berhanu KG, Hatiye SD. Identification of groundwater potential zones using proxy data: Case study of Megech watershed, Ethiopia. J Hydrol Reg Stud. 2020;28:100676.
Beven KJ, Kirkby MJ. A physically based, variable contributing area model of basin hydrology. Hydrol Sci Bull. 1979;24(1):43-69.
Boothroyd RJ, Williams RD, Hoey TB, MacDonell C, Tolentino PL, Quick L, et al. National-scale geodatabase of catchment characteristics in the Philippines for river management applications. PLoS One. 2023;18(3):e0281933.
Burrough PA, McDonnell RA. Principles of geographical information systems. Geogr Bull. 1999;41(1):59.
Díaz-Alcaide S, Martínez-Santos P. Advances in groundwater potential mapping. Hydrogeol J. 2019;27(7):2307-24.
Ejepu JS, Jimoh MO, Abdullahi S, Mba MA. Groundwater exploration using multi-criteria decision analysis and analytic hierarchy process in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Int J Geosci. 2022;13:33-53.
Ejepu J. Regional assessment of groundwater potential zone using remote sensing, GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis techniques. Niger Ann Pure Appl Sci. 2020;3(3b):99-111.
Ejepu JS, Olasehinde P, Okhimamhe AA, Okunlola I. Investigation of hydrogeological structures of Paiko region, North-Central Nigeria using integrated geophysical and remote sensing techniques. Geosciences. 2017;7(4):122.
Elubid BA, Huang T, Peng DP, Ahmed EH, Babiker MM. Delineation of groundwater potential zones using integrated remote sensing, GIS and multi-criteria decision making. Desalin Water Treat. 2020;192:248-58.
Ezeamaka GO, Mallam A, Osagie AU. Groundwater exploration using 2D resistivity imaging within Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria. Sci World J. 2022;17(1):175-9.
Fashae OA, Tijani MN, Talabi AO, Adedeji OI. Delineation of groundwater potential zones in the crystalline basement terrain of SW-Nigeria: An integrated GIS and remote sensing approach. Appl Water Sci. 2014;4(1):19-38.
Grabs T, Seibert J, Bishop K, Laudon H. Modeling spatial patterns of saturated areas: A comparison of the topographic wetness index and a dynamic distributed model. J Hydrol. 2009;373(1-2):15-23.
Gupta M, Srivastava PK. Integrating GIS and remote sensing for identification of groundwater potential zones in the hilly terrain of Pavagarh, Gujarat, India. Water Int. 2010;35(2):233-45.
Haaf E, Giese M, Heudorfer B, Stahl K, Barthel R. Physiographic and climatic controls on regional groundwater dynamics. Water Resour Res. 2020;56(10):e2019WR026545.
Horton RE. Erosional development of streams and their drainage basins; hydrophysical approach to quantitative morphology. Geol Soc Am Bull. 1945;56(3):275-370.
Hussein AA, Govindu V, Nigusse AGM. Evaluation of groundwater potential using geospatial techniques. Appl Water Sci. 2017;7(5):2447-61.
Ifediegwu SI. Assessment of groundwater potential zones using GIS and AHP techniques: A case study of the Lafia district, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Appl Water Sci. 2022;12(1):10.
Jasrotia AS, Bhagat BD, Kumar A, Kumar R. Remote sensing and GIS approach for delineation of groundwater potential and groundwater quality zones of Western Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India. J Indian Soc Remote Sens. 2013;41(2):365-77.
Jasrotia AS, Kumar A, Singh R. Integrated remote sensing and GIS approach for delineation of groundwater potential zones using aquifer parameters in Devak and Rui watershed of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Arab J Geosci. 2016;9(4):304.
Jhariya DC, Kumar T, Gobinath M, Diwan P, Kishore N. Assessment of groundwater potential zone using remote sensing, GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis techniques. J Geol Soc India. 2016;88(4):481-92.
Kalhor K, Ghasemizadeh R, Rajic L, Alshawabkeh A. Assessment of groundwater quality and remediation in karst aquifers: A review. Groundw Sustain Dev. 2019;8:104-21.
Kandekar VU, Gavit BK, Bansod RB, Nimbalkar CA. Morphometric analysis of Agadgaon watershed using remote sensing and geographic information system. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2021;10(2):450-60.
Khatal SA, Ali S, Hasan M, Singh DK, Mishra AK, Iquebal MA. Assessment of groundwater recharge in a small ravine watershed in semi-arid region of India. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2018;7(2):2552-65.
Kotb A, Taha AI, Elnazer AA, Basheer AA. Global insights on flood risk mitigation in arid regions using geomorphological and geophysical modeling from a local case study. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):19975.
Krishnamurthy J, Venkatesa Kumar N, Jayaraman V, Manivel M. An approach to demarcate ground water potential zones through remote sensing and a geographical information system. Int J Remote Sens. 1996;17(10):1867-84.
Kumar B, Kumar U. Integrated approach using RS and GIS techniques for mapping of ground water prospects in Lower Sanjai Watershed, Jharkhand. Int J Geomat Geosci. 2010;1(3):587-98.
Lawal A, Tijani MN, Nuru NA, John S, Mustapha A. Assessment of groundwater recharge potential in a typical geological transition zone in Bauchi, NE-Nigeria using remote sensing/GIS and MCDA approaches. Heliyon. 2021;7(4):e06762.
Levy J, Xu Y. Groundwater management and groundwater/surface-water interaction in the context of South African water policy. Hydrogeol J. 2012;20(2):205-26.
Li M, Foster EJ, Le PV, Yan Q, Stumpf A, Hou T, et al. A new dynamic wetness index (DWI) predicts soil moisture persistence and correlates with key indicators of surface soil geochemistry. Geoderma. 2020;368:114239.
Liu H, Yan H, Guan M. Evaluating the effects of topography and land use change on hydrological signatures: A comparative study of two adjacent watersheds. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci. 2025;29(8):2109-32.
Machiwal D, Jha MK, Mal BC. GISbased assessment and characterization of groundwater quality in a hard-rock hilly terrain of Western India. Environ Monit Assess. 2011;174(1):645-63.
Magesh NS, Jitheshlal KV, Chandrasekar N, Jini KV. GIS based morphometric evaluation of Chimmini and Mupily watersheds, parts of Western Ghats, Thrissur District, Kerala, India. Earth Sci Inform. 2012;5(2):111-21.
Mangs AD, Ejepu JS, Nkemkah CC, Yusuf SN, Sallau AK, Yakubu JA, et al. Groundwater potential mapping in Lapan Gwari community using integrated remote sensing and electrical resistivity soundings. Int J Geosci. 2023;14:719-32.
Mansour DL, Chaubey I. GIS-based predictive models of hillslope runoff generation processes. J Am Water Resour Assoc. 2009;45(4):844-56.
McCurry P. The geology of the Precambrian to Lower Paleozoic rocks of Northern Nigeria. In: Kogbe CA, editor. Geology of Nigeria. Lagos: Elizabethan Press; 1976. p. 15-39.
Mohamed L. Structural controls on the distribution of groundwater in Southern Sinai, Egypt: Constraints from geophysical and remote sensing observations [PhD thesis]. Western Michigan University; 2015.
Moursy MA, ElFetyany M, Meleha AM, El-Bialy MA. Productivity and profitability of modern irrigation methods through the application of on-farm drip irrigation on some crops in the Northern Nile Delta of Egypt. Alexandria Engineering Journal. 2023;62:349-56.
Ndhlovu GZ, Woyessa YE. Integrated assessment of groundwater potential using geospatial techniques in Southern Africa: a case study in the Zambezi River Basin. Water. 2021;13(19):2610.
O’Leary DW, Friedman JD, Pohn HA. Lineament, linear, lineation: some proposed new standards for old terms. Geological Society of America Bulletin. 1976;87(10):1463-9.
Olasehinde PI, Amadi AN, Enwedo EO, Dan-Hassan MA, Okunlola IA. Assessing the groundwater potential in Wuye District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Development Journal of Science and Technology Research (DJOSTER). 2016;5(1):67-78.
Olugbenga AT, Osiewundo OE. Underground water distribution system in Gwagwalada Area Council Abuja, Nigeria, using resistivity geophysical method. International Journal of Scientific Research in Agricultural Sciences. 2015;2(4):97-104.
Oluibukun GA, Ifeanyi JN, Joseph OO, Oluwatobi OA, Ishola OA. Assessment and delineation of groundwater potential zones using integrated geospatial techniques and analytic hierarchy process. Applied Water Science. 2022;12:276.
Omeje M, Husin W, Noorddin I, Onwuka OA, Ugwuoke PE, Meludu O. Geoelectrical investigation of aquifer problems in Gosa area of Abuja, North Central, Nigeria. International Journal of Physical Sciences. 2013;8(13):549-59.
Oyawoye MO. The Basement Complex of Nigeria. In: Dessauvagie TFJ, Whiteman AJ, editors. African Geology. Ibadan: University Press; 1972. p. 67-99.
Persson A, Hasan A, Tang J, Pilesjö P. Modelling flow routing in permafrost landscapes with TWI: an evaluation against site-specific wetness measurements. Transactions in GIS. 2012;16(5):701-13.
Pinto D, Shrestha S, Babel MS, Ninsawat S. Delineation of groundwater potential zones in the Comoro Watershed, Timor Leste using GIS, remote sensing and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Applied Water Science. 2017;7:503-19.
Pitt R, Clark S, Field R. Groundwater contamination potential from stormwater infiltration practices. Urban Water. 1999;1(3):217-36.
Punmia BC, Jain AK, Jain AK. Building construction. Firewall Media; 2005.
Qin CZ, Zhu AX, Pei T, Li BL, Scholten T, Behrens T, Zhou CH. An approach to computing topographic wetness index based on maximum downslope gradient. Precis Agric. 2009;12(1):32-43.
Raj S, Rawat KS, Singh SK, Mishra AK. Groundwater potential zones identification and validation in peninsular India. Geol Ecol Landsc. 2024;8(1):86-100.
Rane NL, Achari A, Choudhary SP, Giduturi M. Effectiveness and capability of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS): a powerful tool for land use and land cover (LULC) change and accuracy assessment. Int J Innov Sci Res Technol. 2023;8(4):4375-92.
Rios-Sanchez M, Gierke JS, Muñoz- Martínez T. Hydrogeological characterization of the plateaus region of the Quito aquifer system using remote sensing, digital geomorphology, and geophysics. In: World Environmental and Water Resources Congress: Crossing Boundaries; 2012. p. 85-97.
Rodríguez-Moreno VM, Gunter KT. Parsimonious model of groundwater recharge potential as seen related with two topographic indices and the leaf area index. Hydrology. 2025;12(6):127.
Ruhoff AL, Castro NMR, Risso A. Numerical modelling of the topographic wetness index: an analysis at different scales. Int J Geosci. 2011;2(4):476-83.
Saaty TL. The analytic hierarchy process. Agric Econ Rev. 1980;70(804):10-21236.
Sadek M, Ewes R, Hussien R, Mohamed F. Using analytical hierarchy process integrated with geographic information system and remote sensing (AHP/GIS/RS) for mapping groundwater potentiality in West El-Minia area, Upper Egypt. J Nucl Technol Appl Sci. 2021;9(1):33-46.
Salih AO, Al-Manmi DA. Adjustment of original DRASTIC model by means of lineament density to map groundwater vulnerability: case study in Rania Basin, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Res Square. 2021:1-22.
Sankar K. Evaluation of groundwater potential zones using remote sensing data in Upper Vaigai river basin, Tamil Nadu, India. J Indian Soc Remote Sens. 2002;30(3):119-29.
Selvam S, Magesh NS, Chidambaram S, Rajamanickam M, Sashikkumar MC. A GIS based identification of groundwater recharge potential zones using RS and IF technique: a case study in Ottapidaram taluk, Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu. Environ Earth Sci. 2015;73(7):3785-99.
Shamkhi MS. Assessment of groundwater recharge potential depending on morphologic analysis in east of Wasit, southeastern
Iraq. Iraqi Geol J. 2021;54:138.
Sheffield J, Wood EF, Pan M, Beck H, Coccia G, Serrat-Capdevila A, Verbist KJ. Satellite remote sensing for water resources management: potential for supporting sustainable development in data-poor regions. Water Resour Res. 2018;54(12):9724-58.
Shekhar S, Pandey AC. Delineation of groundwater potential zone in hard rock terrain of India using remote sensing, geographical information system (GIS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques. Geocarto Int. 2015;30(4):402-21.
Singh A. Groundwater resources management through the applications of simulation modeling: a review. Sci Total Environ. 2014;499:414-23.
Sisay L. Application of remote sensing and GIS for groundwater potential zone mapping in Northern Ada’a plain (Modjo catchment). Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa University; 2007.
Sörensen R, Zinko U, Seibert J. On the calculation of the topographic wetness index: evaluation of different methods based on field observations. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci. 2006;10(1):101-12.
Tabassum A, Sajjad A, Sajid GH, Ahmad MIM, Khan AH. Assessing recharge zones for groundwater potential in Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan): a GIS-based analytical hierarchy process approach. Water. 2025;17(11):1586.
Thapa R, Gupta S, Guin S, Kaur H. Assessment of groundwater potential zones using multi-influencing factor (MIF) and GIS: a case study from Birbhum district, West Bengal. Appl Water Sci. 2017 Nov;7(7):4117-31.
Tsypin M, Cacace M, Guse B, Güntner A, S-W M. Modeling the influence of climate on groundwater flow and heat regime in Brandenburg (Germany). Front Water. 2024;6:1353394.
Viessman W Jr, Lewis GL, Knapp JW. Introduction to hydrology. 3rd ed. New York: Harper & Row; 1989.
Wang H, Gao J, Li X, W H, Zhang Y. Effects of soil and water conservation measures on groundwater levels and recharge. Water. 2014;6(12):3783-806.
Winzeler HE, Owens PR, Read QD, Libohova Z, Ashworth A, Sauer T. Topographic wetness index as a proxy for soil moisture in a hillslope catena: flow algorithms and map generalization. Land. 2022 Nov 11;11(11):2018.
World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). World reference base for soil resources: international soil classification system. World Soil Resources Reports No. 106. Rome: FAO; 2014. Available from: www.fao.org
Yeh HF, Cheng YS, Lin HI, Lee CH. Mapping groundwater recharge potential zone using a GIS approach in Hualian River, Taiwan. Sustain Environ Res. 2016;26(1):33-43.
