Research Article
Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Using a Modified DRASTIC–GIS Approach in a Crystalline Basement Terrain, Northwestern Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
37-53
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
3 May 2026
Published:
14 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajese.20261002.11
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Abstract: In northern Nigeria's crystalline basement terrains, where surface water resources are seasonal and poorly distributed, groundwater is the primary source of drinkable water. In order to identify groundwater potential zones in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, this study used an integrated Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. Landsat-8 OLI images, the ASTER Digital Elevation Model (30 m resolution), and pre-existing geological and soil maps were used to determine six groundwater-influencing parameters: geology, lineament density, slope, soil texture, drainage density, and land use/land cover (LULC). The studied area's drainage density ranges from 0 to 2.172 km/km², and its slope extends from 0° to 72.86°. Bare terrain makes up the majority of the region (84.57%), followed by settlements (8.44%), hills (6.16%), water bodies (0.82%), and vegetation (0.001%), according to LULC research. Thematic layers were given weights using a modified DRASTIC-based multi-criteria evaluation technique, including geology (5), lineament density (4), slope (4), soil texture (3), drainage density (2), and land use/land cover (1). A Groundwater Potential Index (GPI) map that divided the region into high, moderate, and low groundwater potential zones was created using weighted overlay analysis in a GIS context. Fractured granite gneiss and migmatite, high lineament density (0.656–1.365 km/km2), mild slopes (0–9.429°), permeable soils, and low drainage density (0–0.564 km/km2) are all associated with high potential zones, while steep slopes and severely dissected terrains are associated with low potential areas. The findings show that lithology and structural characteristics play a major role in the occurrence of groundwater and show that integrated remote sensing and GIS techniques offer a dependable and affordable tool for sustainable borehole siting and groundwater exploration in basement complex terrains.
Abstract: In northern Nigeria's crystalline basement terrains, where surface water resources are seasonal and poorly distributed, groundwater is the primary source of drinkable water. In order to identify groundwater potential zones in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, this study used an integrated Remote Sensing and Geographic Informa...
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Tavershima Stephen Ingoroko*
