Evaluation of the Quantitative and Qualitative Potential of Groundwater Resources in Jiroft Plain using GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process Model

In this research, the aquifer potential of Jiroft Plain was investigated in terms of quantity and quality. For this purpose, the groundwater potential index and the groundwater quality index were calculated using the hierarchical analysis process. Related parameters were used to calculate the groundwater potential index. The groundwater quality index was also calculated according to the amount of dissolved solids in the groundwater, the total hardness, and the concentration of sodium, sulfate, and chloride ions. Finally, using the capabilities of the geographic, information system, maps of the quantitative and qualitative potential of groundwater were prepared. Based on the obtained results, Jiroft Plain was divided into three categories, good, medium, and poor, in terms of quantitative potential, which accounted for 42, 32, and 26% of the area of ​​the plain, respectively. From the point of view of qualitative potential, Jiroft plain is divided into four areas: unsuitable, poor, acceptable, and good, which cover 2, 11, 27, and 60% of the area of ​​Jiroft plain, respectively. Based on the results of this research, the best groundwater potential is observed in the middle part of the plain and the weakest groundwater potential is observed in its eastern and southern margins. In terms of quality potential, except for the south and southwest parts of the plain, the quality potential of groundwater is suitable in other parts.