GIS-based multi-criteria approach to delineate groundwater prospect zone and its sensitivity analysis

Abstract This study was aimed at delineating groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) using geo-spatial techniques for Ranchi district, Jharkhand (India). Data including Cartosat-1 digital elevation model (DEM), Landsat 8 satellite images, lithology, geology, soil, and water yield data were utilised in this study. The relative importance of multiple parameters slope, rainfall, drainage density, land use/land cover (LULC) that influence the availability determined subjectively. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) along with pair-wise comparison decision theory utilized to calculate weights each aforementioned parameter. delineated GWPZ categorized into four classes viz., very good zone (31.57%), (45.43%), moderate (13.09%), poor (8.53%). sensitivity analysis indicated lithology soil type as most least sensitive parameters, respectively influencing presence area. Comparison between well discharge yielded a coefficient determination ( R 2 ) 0.59. contributes identifying priority areas where appropriate conservation programs strategies sustainable development can be implemented.