Mapping Groundwater Potential (GWP) in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia Using Data-Driven GIS Techniques

A groundbreaking study identifies key factors influencing groundwater potential (GWP) in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, using advanced GIS techniques. The research reveals that soil texture and geology are the most significant parameters for GWP mapping, while lineament density is the least influential. Nearly 45–48% of the oasis falls within moderate GWP zones, with 21–37% classified as high potential. Two weighted overlay methods—simple additive weight (SAW) and optimum index factor (OIF)—were employed to validate findings against existing wells, confirming the accuracy of the SAW map. The OIF method further pinpointed optimal parameter combinations for GWP delineation, including land cover, topographic wetness index, and lineament density. This study offers a scalable model for sustainable water resource management in arid regions, with implications for global groundwater conservation efforts.

Hassaballa, A., & Salih, A. (2024). Mapping Groundwater Potential (GWP) in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia Using Data-Driven GIS Techniques. Water, 16(2), 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16020194