Scrutinizing Relationships between Submarine Groundwater Discharge and Upstream Areas Using Thermal Remote Sensing: A Case Study in the Northern Persian Gulf

Nutrient input through submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) often plays a significant role in primary productivity and nutrient cycling the coastal areas. Understanding relationships between SGD topo-hydrological geo-environmental characteristics of upstream zones is essential for sustainable development these However, important have not yet been completely explored using data-mining approaches, especially arid semi-arid lands. Here, Landsat 8 thermal sensor data were used to identify potential sites at regional scale. Relationships remotely-sensed sea surface temperature (SST) patterns variables upland watersheds analyzed logistic regression model first time. The accuracy predictions was evaluated area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) metric. A highly accurate model, with AUC-ROC 96.6%, generated. Moreover, results indicated that percentage karstic lithological formation topographic wetness index key influencing phenomenon spatial distribution northern areas Persian Gulf. adopted methodology applied metrics can be transferred other regions as rapid assessment procedure site detection. help planners decision-makers develop efficient environmental management strategies design comprehensive policies.