Integration of Remote Sensing, GIS, and AHP for Groundwater Potential Evaluation in İzmit, Türkiye

Abstract

Groundwater potential in Izmit, Türkiye, is systematically assessed in this study through a GIS and Remote Sens-ing-based framework integrated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate seven key factors influencing groundwater distribution: geology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, land use/cover, soil classification, and rainfall distribution. The analysis delineated three distinct groundwater potential zones. High potential areas (74 km², 16%) concentrated in alluvial units with permeable lithologies, dense lineaments (>1.5 km/km²), and gentle slopes (<5°); moderate potential zones (311 km², 66%) showing intermediate characteristics; and low potential areas (88 km², 18%) with restrictive features like steep slopes and impermeable geology such as the Aydos Formation and Tertiary Volcanics. The model demonstrates strong predictive capability (AUC = 0.756), identifying geology and lineaments as dominant controls. These results provide water managers and decision makers a scientifically validated tool for zone-specific groundwater strategies, from sustainable extraction in high-potential areas to managed recharge in mod-erate zones and conservation measures in low-potential regions. High potential areas are mainly located in the south and parts of the north.

Keywords

• Drainage Density
• Geology
• Groundwater Potential
• Land use Land cover
• lineament density
• Remote sensıng.

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