Site selection for managed aquifer recharge in the city of Kabul, Afghanistan, using a multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information system

Abstract While the success and sustainability of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) strongly depends on many characteristics site, it is necessary to integrate site develop suitability maps indicate most suitable locations. The objective this study geographic information system (GIS) multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques identify areas for a MAR project in Kabul city area, Afghanistan. Data six effective criteria, including slope, drainage density, surface infiltration rate, unsaturated zone thickness, soil type electrical conductivity, were collected then classification map was produced each criterion GIS environment. By applying MCDA techniques, weights criteria obtained. A generated from technique separately based combination all thematic layers. result analytical network process (ANP) method found be more precise reliable compared with that hierarchy (AHP) method. Based final ANP model, there 3.7, 15.0, 37.4, 33.1 10.3% total area unsuitable, low suitability, moderately suitable, very application, respectively. As work, seven sites have been prioritized land use. integration recognized as an selection sites.