Spatial variability of the groundwater exploitation potential in an arid alluvial-diluvial plain using GIS-based Dempster-Shafer theory. (10th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Fengzhi; Zhao, Chengyi; Zhao, Xiaoning; Zhou, Xu; Li, Xinhu; Zhu, Jianting
• Is Part Of: Quaternary international. Volume 571(2021)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2021-01-10
• Subjects: Groundwater exploitation potential -- Dempster-shafer theory -- GIS -- Exploitation strategies -- Hotan river basin; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Stratigraphie -- Quaternaire -- Périodiques; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2020.10.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-6182

Abstract

Abstract: The spatial distribution of groundwater exploitation potential is crucial to the sustainable management of groundwater resources in arid regions. In this study, an effective approach is developed using a geographical information system (GIS) associated with the Dempster-Shafer (D-S) theory to explore the groundwater exploitation potential based on eight factors (i.e., slope, topography, distance to a river, canal density, lithology, land use, soil type, and groundwater depth)based on pumping test data. Different groundwater exploitation potential zones from the output map are classified as follows: very high (0.67–0.96, 8% of the total area), high (0.45–0.67, 8%), moderate (0.27–0.45, 14%), low (0.13–0.27, 24%), and very low (0.02–0.13, 46%), in the Hotan River basin of the Kunlun Mountains, China. The groundwater exploitation potential is highest in a gravel plain in the piedmont and gradually decreases from the piedmont to the desert. The predicted spatial variability of groundwater exploitation potential can explain 71% of the measured pumping test data. The uncertainty of the groundwater exploitation potential map ranges from <1 to 25.5% across the basin. The Dempster-Shafer model can reflect the combined influence of various factors affecting the groundwater exploitation potential, and the system uncertainty is within the belief functions. Based on the developed method, decision-makers are provided with an effective and reliable tool for groundwater exploitation and sustainable management.