Spatial Modeling for Delineating Artificial Groundwater Recharge Zones in the Al-Widian Region within the Western Plateau using GIS and AHP
Abstract
Artificial Groundwater Recharge (AGR) is considered one of the sustainable solutions for enhancing water storage in arid and semi-arid regions, including the Western Plateau of Iraq. This study aims to identify and evaluate suitable areas for artificial recharge within the Al-Widian region, which spans an area of 101950.7 km², using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the relative weights of the influencing criteria.
The study incorporated seven primary criteria, including topographical characteristics (elevation, slope, and aspect), hydrological factors (drainage density), geological features, as well as lineaments/faults and soil types. Each criterion was classified into suitability categories according to Saaty's scale and subsequently integrated spatially to produce a comprehensive suitability map.
The results indicated that "Very High" suitability zones for artificial recharge are concentrated in valley beds and the central and southeastern regions. These areas are characterized by low slopes, high fault and fracture density, and permeable limestone formations, which increase infiltration time and enhance the response of groundwater aquifers. Conversely, "Low" suitability areas are characterized by high plateaus and steep slopes that increase surface runoff and reduce natural infiltration. The study revealed that more than 59% of the study area falls within the "High" and "Very High" suitability categories, and that carbonate-rich desert soils possess excellent permeability for enhancing vertical water infiltration. The study concludes that the use of GIS and AHP provides an accurate systematic framework for identifying optimal recharge sites, ensuring the integration of topographical, geological, and hydrological factors, thereby enhancing groundwater resource management and achieving sustainability in the Western Plateau.
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