Identification of sites suitable for artificial recharging using GIS and AHP techniques (Case study: Oshtorinan Plain)

Subject Areas : Geospatial systems development

Leila Goodarzi ¹ , Ali Mohammad Akhondali ² , Heidar Zarei ³

1 - MSc. Student, College of Water Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
2 - Prof. College of Water Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
3 - Assis. Prof. College of Water Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

Received: 2013-11-24 Accepted : 2014-05-08 Published : 2014-12-22

Keywords:

Abstract :

One of the water management methods that had wide application in recent years is the artificial recharge. The aim of this study is to determine the suitable sites for artificial recharge in Oshtorinan plain located in Boroujerd City. The effective factors of artificial recharge were identified includes: geology, slope, the thickness of the unsaturated zones, groundwater quality, aquifer transmissivity, hydraulic gradient, storage coefficient, distance from surface water sources, and land use. In first, raster maps for different layers were prepared and arranged using the paired comparison method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Raster layers were integrated using the Weighted Index Overlay Method. Unsuitable areas according to the proximity to wells, springs and Qantas were eliminated by using the Boolean model, and the artificial recharge map was prepared. Three sites were determined for artificial recharge in Oshtorinan Plain. The potential artificial recharge map shown, 17% of the region area had quite suitable, 21% was suitable, 31% was moderately suitable, 18% was unsuitable and 13% was prefect unsuitable for artificial recharge. Finally, through field visiting four sites were determined for artificial recharge in Oshtorinan Plain.