Delineation of groundwater potential zones in Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu using geospatial technology and analytical hierarchy process
Author(s): N Revandh, K Katturajan, P Masilamani and Killivalavan Jothiramalingam
Abstract: Groundwater resource management in hard rock terrains presents significant challenges due to complex hydrogeological conditions and water scarcity. This study presents an integrated geospatial approach to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India. Seven thematic layers Geology, Geomorphology, Slope, Soil texture, Lineament density, Land use/Land cover (LULC) and Tank buffer, were derived from remote sensing data, topographic maps and secondary sources. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to assign weights to each parameter based on hydrogeological significance. Weighted overlay analysis in ArcGIS 10 produced a groundwater potential map classified into five categories: Very High (42 km²), High (153 km²), Moderate (169 km²), Low (80 km²) and Very Low (17 km²). Results indicate that fluvial geomorphic units and areas proximal to water bodies exhibit the highest groundwater potential, while structural hills and elevated terrain show limited potential due to high surface runoff. These findings provide critical information for optimizing groundwater exploration, developing water harvesting structures, and planning sustainable water resource management in the region.
DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i12a.462Pages: 64-74 | Views: 146 | Downloads: 96Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
N Revandh, K Katturajan, P Masilamani, Killivalavan Jothiramalingam.
Delineation of groundwater potential zones in Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu using geospatial technology and analytical hierarchy process. Int J Geogr Geol Environ 2025;7(12):64-74. DOI:
10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i12a.462
