Groundwater potentiality mapping using geoelectrical-based aquifer hydraulic parameters: A GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis modeling approach

Abstract

This study conducted a robust analysis on acquired 2D resistivity imaging data and borehole pumping test records for modeling of aquifer hydraulic properties and their applications in successful groundwater potential mapping in Perak province. Transverse resistance (TR) parameter was determined from the interpreted 2D resistivity imaging data by applying the Dar- Zarrouk parameter equation. Through linear regression and GIS techniques, the estimated values for TR parameter were regressed with the aquifer transmissivity values extracted from the geospatially produced BPT records-based aquifer transmissivity map to develop the aquifer transmissivity parameter predictive (ATPP) model. The reliability evaluated ATPP model using the Theil inequality coefficient measurement approach was used to establish geoelectrical-based hydraulic parameters (GHP) modeling equations for transmissivity (Tr), hydraulic conductivity (K), storativity (St), and hydraulic diffusivity (D). The results of the applied GHP modeling equations on the delineated aquifer media was used to produce four aquifer potential conditioning factor's maps for Tr, K, St, and D. Applying the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)-analytic hierarchy process (AHP) principle, the maps were modeled to develop aquifer potential mapping index (APMI) model. The area groundwater reservoir productivity potential model (GRPPM) map produced based on the processed APMI model estimates in GIS environment was found to be 71% accurate. The results from this study establishes a good alternative approach to determine aquifer hydraulic parameters even in areas where pumping test information is unavailable using a cost effective geophysical data. The produced map can be explored for hydrological decision making.