Transparent Peer Review By Scholar9
Remote sensing and GIS based groundwater potential zone mapping in Gundihalla watershed, Karnataka state
Abstract
Due to overexploitation and severe climate change, groundwater resources are severely pressured. Understanding the nature of this finite resource is essential for long-term adoption and development due to its spatiotemporal unpredictability in occurrence and dispersion. The environment in the research area is semi-arid, and farming is the most prevalent occupation. The region depends on groundwater because there aren't many surface water sources and the rainfall patterns aren't consistent. As a result, the current study encourages the evaluation of the groundwater potential zones in the Gundihalla watershed using an integrated GIS and remote sensing technique. Theme layers including Lithology, Geomorphology, Land Use/Land Cover, Lineament density, Drainage density, Soil, and Slope are used in the analysis. In every theme tier, a class is assigned a weight based on its characteristics and water potential capacity. The groundwater potential index was then prepared and added to the weighted overlay analysis to construct the groundwater potential map. In the end, groundwater potential is divided into five zones: Very good to good(11%), good (24%) Moderate(52%), Moderate to Poor(1%), Poor(4%) Poor to Nill(4%), and Water body mask (4%). The results of this study will enable future research and proposals to more effectively plan and regulate groundwater development.
Murali Mohana Krishna Dandu Reviewer
16 Sep 2024 02:56 PM
Approved
Relevance and Originality
The Research Article is highly relevant as it addresses the critical issue of groundwater management in the face of overexploitation and climate change. By focusing on the Gundihalla watershed and using GIS and remote sensing techniques, the study presents an innovative approach to evaluating groundwater potential. This research contributes original insights into groundwater resource management by integrating multiple thematic layers to create a detailed groundwater potential map, which is crucial for sustainable resource planning.
Methodology
The methodology is robust, involving the use of GIS and remote sensing techniques to analyze groundwater potential. The integration of theme layers such as Lithology, Geomorphology, and Land Use/Land Cover is methodologically sound and provides a comprehensive assessment of groundwater resources. The use of weighted overlay analysis to construct the groundwater potential map is appropriate and effectively supports the study’s objectives. However, the paper could benefit from a more detailed explanation of the weight assignment process and how the specific values for each class were determined.
Validity & Reliability
The validity of the study is supported by the use of established GIS and remote sensing techniques to analyze groundwater potential. The integration of multiple thematic layers adds to the reliability of the results. To further enhance reliability, the study could include validation of the groundwater potential map with field data or historical groundwater measurements. Additionally, a discussion on the limitations of the data sources and methods used would provide a clearer understanding of the study’s accuracy and potential areas for improvement.
Clarity and Structure
The Research Article is well-structured, with a clear explanation of the methodology and results. The description of the thematic layers and the process of creating the groundwater potential map is detailed and easy to follow. To improve clarity, the paper could benefit from including visual aids such as maps and diagrams that illustrate the thematic layers, the weighting process, and the final groundwater potential zones. This would help readers better understand the spatial distribution of groundwater potential and the basis for the categorization.
Result Analysis
The result analysis effectively categorizes groundwater potential into five distinct zones, providing a clear picture of the resource distribution in the Gundihalla watershed. The breakdown of zones (e.g., Very good to good, Moderate, Poor) offers useful information for future groundwater management and planning. To enhance the result analysis, the paper could include a comparison of the predicted groundwater potential zones with actual groundwater availability data, if available. Additionally, discussing the implications of these findings for local agricultural practices and water management strategies would provide more practical insights into the study’s impact.
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Done Sir
Murali Mohana Krishna Dandu Reviewer