Authors: Shri. Suresh Lamani, Dr.M.B. Chalawadi
Abstract: Groundwater depletion presents a critical threat to agrarian viability within the semi-arid cratonic terrains of the Deccan Plateau. This study develops a comprehensive geospatial framework using Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to delineate Groundwater Potential Zones (GWPZ) across the seven taluks of Gadag district, Karnataka. Nine thematic layers geology, geomorphology, lineament density, drainage density, slope, soil type, land use/land cover (LULC), rainfall distribution, and vadose zone lithology—were integrated utilizing multi-criteria decision-making weights. The validation matrix indicates that GWPZ classes conform strongly to historical borewell yield records. High potential zones encompass 18.4% of the district, localized primarily within alluvial plains and highly fractured shear zones in parts of Shirhatti and Lakshmeshwar. Conversely, Nargund and Mundargi taluks display severe structural limits, with over 45% of their area classified under 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' potential due to steep horizons, high drainage runoff, and massive crystalline basements. These geospatial normalizations offer definitive structural models for targeting managed aquifer recharge zones and planning sustainable water distribution networks.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21370627
