Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
Abstract
The primary objective of the current study is to produce karstification potentiality maps in the northwest of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, Iran, through the innovative use of both fuzzy logic and AHP models as an additional tool in hydrogeological research. The present study is elaborated in the broad area of the northwest of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, covering 1148 km2. The study area is located in the northwest of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province and is crossed by two rivers, Shah Bahram and Taghar. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are used to create two maps depicting the development of karstification, consisting of five classes, showing the karstification potentiality and ranging from very high to very low. The extractions of these maps are based on the study of input data such as: lithology, lineament density, elevation, slope, rainfall, temperature, drainage density and vegetation cover. Weights are assigned to all these factors according to their relevance to karstification potential. Eventually, two maps based on weighted spatial modeling system are created. The verification results show that the fuzzy logic model outperformed AHP model for the study area. The results provide significant information and the maps can be used by local authorities for groundwater exploitation during drought periods, protection of karstic water resources quality and management. It ofers an innovative solution to water scarcity challenges, with potential applications in similar global settings and conditions.
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