Geospatial mapping of groundwater potential zones using multi-criteria decision-making AHP approach: A study of Kadugli district, south Kurdufan, Sudan

Groundwater availability is crucial for sustaining agricultural activities and ensuring the availability of clean water in arid regions like Kadugli district, South Kordofan State, Sudan. This project focuses on delineating areas with high groundwater potential using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Sentinel-2 and STRM DEM satellite images, along with traditional data sources, were utilized. Remote sensing imagery was employed to extract relevant features such as slope, land use/land cover (LULC), lithology, and landform characteristics. Thematic layers depicting LULC, soil type, rainfall, drainage density, geology, lineament density, and slope were created. Groundwater potential areas were identified using weighted overlay analysis and the AHP algorithm, assigning data weights based on their relative importance with Saaty's scale. Rainfall and geology had higher weights, while soil had less. The study found that 38% of the southern area had outstanding groundwater potential, 46% was classified as good, and 16% as fair. The northern half exhibited fair to good groundwater potential zones. This interdisciplinary approach enhances our understanding of groundwater dynamics in arid regions and supports efforts to achieve water security and resilience in Sudan.