MAR site suitability mapping for arid–semiarid regions by remote data and combined approach: A case study from Balochistan, Pakistan

Climate change, along with the rapid increase in population and mismanagement of water resources, resulted a decline quality quantity groundwater worldwide. Balochistan, largest driest province Pakistan, is located south western part country. This region suffering from declining table, land subsidence, intense soil erosion. Rapidly increasing population, sea level rise, temperature, average annual precipitation, short-duration rainfalls reduced percolation rates are further aggravating situation. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) considered as solution to reduce stress on resources achieve resilience climate change. Creating MAR suitability map may be one steps taken reach sustainable management. study produced first Quetta Valley, most densely populated city Poralai Hingol coastal basins seawater intrusion. To construct map, online INOWAS platform was used narrow down suitable options. Then, six influencing factors including geology, slope, land-cover, drainage density, were identified, raster each factor scored weighted using GIS tools Multi Influencing Factor (MIF) method. All integrated according their weight by ‘Weighted Overlay Analysis’ tool Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) ArcGIS produce final map. The divided area into high, moderate, low, very low classes. results depict that 80% Basin, 10% Basin less than 5% Valley falls high zone especially for trenches, ditches, furrows, leaky dams. Balochistan can serve guidance screening focus site specific studies highly areas implementation. In following phase study, an analysis source, quality, use design develop structures local conditions needs. displayed method applicable other arid-semiarid regions.