Application of GIS techniques to determine areas most suitable for artificial groundwater recharge in a coastal aquifer in southern Iran

Special attention has been paid to artificial groundwater recharge in water resource management in and and semi-arid regions. Parameters considered in the selection of groundwater artificial recharge locations are diverse and complex. In this study factors such as: slope, infiltration rate, depth to groundwater, quality of alluvial sediments and land use are considered, to determine the areas most suitable for groundwater recharge in a coastal aquifer in the Gavbandi Drainage Basin in the southern part of Iran. Thematic layers for the above parameters were prepared, classified, weighted and integrated in a GIS environment by the means of Boolean and Fuzzy logic. To determine the relationships between geomorphological units and the appropriate sites for groundwater artificial recharge, land-use and geomorphological maps were developed from satellite images. The results of the study indicate that about 12% of the study area is considered as appropriate and 8% moderately appropriate sites for artificial groundwater recharge. The relationship between geomorphology and appropriate areas for groundwater recharge indicate that the majority of these areas are located on alluvial fans and pediment units. At the reconnaissance stage these geomorphological units can be considered as appropriate sites for artificial recharge in regions with similar characteristics. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.