Optimizing among Analytical Hierarchy Process, Influencing Factor Method, and Frequency Ratio Model in the Determination of Groundwater Potential Zones

Abstract

Attempting to identify potential groundwater zones is a milestone towards the sustainable development of water resources. Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station (AMPRS), Kerala, India faces water resource scarcity during the summer for crop research activities. This study aims to identify the possible zones with potential for groundwater near AMPRS, applying Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing by Influencing Factor (IF) Method, Frequency Ratio (FR) Model, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) by considering the most influencing seven parameters and evaluate the efficacy of these three approaches. The weightage of each parameter is derived by the multicriteria decision-making method for IF and AHP. FR model is more realistic as it establishes the probabilistic relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results are analyzed for efficacy and validation, performed by Area Under the Curve (AUC) and Ground Truth Method. The prediction accuracies by AUC are 76.6%, 66.07%, and 58.85% for FR, AHP, and IF respectively. The output map was also validated with the prospective wells in the high and very high potential regions and shows 92% accuracy in the FR method. Hence, the observation confirms that the methodology adopted for delineating GWPZ holds good, reliable results. FR model is proven to be more accurate and reliable and can be preferred for further studies on integrated water management projects. Thus, proper extraction and management will help to manage the study area's current water shortage.