Hydrogeomorphological Assessment of Groundwater Potential Using GIS-Based AHP and Schlumberger Geoelectrical Method in Gunungpati District

Fahrudin Hanafi; Heri Tjahjono; Muh Sholeh; Fajar Dian Mukti; Mayiswa Fatika Sari; Jaka Putra Rahmajati; Arla Janitra Berliana

doi:10.20527/jpg.v13i2.25857

Hydrogeomorphological Assessment of Groundwater Potential Using GIS-Based AHP and Schlumberger Geoelectrical Method in Gunungpati District

Fahrudin Hanafi, Heri Tjahjono, Muh Sholeh, Fajar Dian Mukti, Mayiswa Fatika Sari, Jaka Putra Rahmajati, Arla Janitra Berliana

Abstract

Groundwater is a critical resource that is becoming increasingly scarce due to rapid population growth and shifting land-use dynamics. Gunungpati District, designated as a vital conservation area in Semarang City, requires highly accurate groundwater mapping to ensure sustainable regional development and resource security. This study aims to analyze and map groundwater potential by integrating a GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) — which enables multi-criteria spatial evaluation of surface parameters — with the Schlumberger geoelectrical method for subsurface empirical validation. This integration addresses the inherent limitation of surface-based approaches in capturing subsurface heterogeneity, while simultaneously compensating for the spatially limited scope of point-based geophysical measurements. The spatial AHP model evaluated nine comprehensive thematic parameters: lithology, slope, land cover, infiltration, drainage density, soil solum depth, relief, flow pattern, and topography. The AHP weighting results revealed that lithology (27%), topography (19%), and relief (14%) are the primary controlling factors dictating groundwater distribution. Spatially, the model categorized the district predominantly into moderate (39.6%) and poor (39.1%) groundwater potential zones. To validate these surface-driven findings, geoelectrical resistivity measurements were conducted across seven distinct geomorphological units. The geoelectrical analysis showed that shallow aquifers occur in only four of the seven units, with the highest potential in the tuffaceous sandstone of units V7 and S9, while units D7, V19, and D5 showed no aquifers within the reliable investigation depth of about 40 m. A comparison of the two methods showed systematic divergence: the AHP model underestimated potential where shallow aquifers occur beneath unfavorable surface conditions (V9 and S9), and overestimated it where favorable surface morphology overlies restrictive bedrock (V19 and D5). These findings underscore that while AHP provides a holistic spatial overview based on surface parameters, geophysical surveys are indispensable for localized subsurface ground-truthing. The methodological integration yields a highly robust representation of groundwater potential. This research establishes a crucial scientific foundation for policymakers, strongly recommending proactive conservation strategies, routine instrument calibration, and alternative water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, in vulnerable aquifer systems.

Keywords

AHP; Soil Water; Landform; Geoelectric; GIS

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20527/jpg.v13i2.25857