DELINEATION OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ZONE USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES WITHIN ZAMFARA REGION, NORTH WEST NIGERIA

Mahi Shuaibu Ahmed; Charles Ile Umoru

doi:10.4314/njt.v44i3.13

Authors

S. Mahi Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State
U. Ile Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v44i3.13

Keywords:

Geology, Remote sensing data integration, Saaty’s hierarchical analysis, Groundwater potential model, Aquifer yield

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques were utilized in this work to evaluate the groundwater potential of the geological terrain in Zamfara, Northwest Nigeria. In order to validate the groundwater potential model's outcome, a pumping test result from flowing boreholes was used. Geology, lineament density, rainfall, geomorphology, soil characteristics, slope, drainage density, land use, and aquifer thickness were among the ten thematic layers that were taken into consideration. The model assigned and normalized weight values to each tier using Saaty's analytic hierarchy technique. Four main zones were identified in the reclassification of the groundwater potential model. The groundwater potential zones of the underlying crystalline rock units are distributed spatially as follows: low (5,251.1 km²), medium (6,639 km²), high (7,334.71 km²), and extremely high (8,473 km²). In contrast, the sedimentary hydrogeological areas have a different distribution of 1,265 km² (15%) medium: 1,609.21 km² (21%), high: 2,327 km² (30%) and very high: 2,716 km² (34%) groundwater potential zones respectively. This suggests that the sedimentary environment (Gundumi Formation) is more viable for the development of groundwater resources. The result of model validation proved positive correlation to the yield from the aquifers of the area. This shows effectiveness of combined use of Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), RS and GIS in figuring out groundwater resources. Overall, it offers great advice for exploring & managing groundwater in the region.

Author Biographies

S. Mahi, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State

Senior Lecturer at Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State
U. Ile, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State

Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State

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