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Groundwater risk intensity mapping in semi-arid regions using optical remote sensing data as an additional tool

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Abstract

Due to semi-arid to arid climatic conditions, Jordan has limited groundwater resources. As a result of agricultural activities and untreated wastewater, most of the groundwater in the karstic areas is microbiologically contaminated. Groundwater vulnerability, hazards, and risk intensity were mapped (scale 1:50,000) at a test site near the Jordan Rift Valley. The mapping included the use of optical remote sensing to complement conventional data in areas with poor data. LANDSAT ETM+ data, and colour and panchromatic aerial photographs at different scales were incorporated using visual image interpretation and digital image processing. The applicability of the different remote sensing data sources is discussed and recommendations for their usage are given. Information derived from digital images offers new opportunities for vulnerability and hazard assessment, particularly when related to land use, vegetation cover, urbanisation and infrastructure. The resulting maps indicate clearly the vulnerable areas and the “hot spots” of potential contamination in the test site and form an important basis for integrated groundwater management studies and the long-term planning of protective measures. The application and transferability of the European vulnerability approach (COST Action 620) to the test site in Jordan proved to be good, in general, although modifications were necessary to suit local conditions.

Résumé

La Jordanie ne dispose que de ressources limitées en eaux souterraines, étant donné le climat semi-aride à aride prévalant dans ce pays. La contamination microbiologique de la plupart des eaux souterraines des régions karstiques est due aux activités agricoles et l’absence de traitement des eaux usées. La vulnérabilité des eaux souterraines, et le danger et l’intensité du risque de leur contamination ont été cartographiés (à l’échelle de 1:50 000) pour un site d’étude situé près de la vallée du Rift du Jourdain. La cartographie inclut l’utilisation de données optiques de télédétection pour complémenter les sources de données conventionnelles, dans les zones où la couverture est déficiente. Des données de LANDSAT ETM+ et des photographies aériennes en couleur et panchromatiques à différentes échelles ont été incorporées en utilisant des méthodes d’interprétation visuelle et informatique de l’image. La qualité des différentes sources de données de télédétection est discutée et évaluée, et des recommandations pour leur utilisation sont suggérées. L’informations obtenue des images digitales offre de nouvelles opportunités pour l’évaluation des vulnérabilités et des dangers, surtout reliés à l’usage du sol, la couverture végétale, l’urbanisation et les diverses infrastructures. Les cartes ainsi obtenues indiquent clairement les zones vulnérables et les points critiques potentiels pour la contamination du site d’étude et forment une base importante pour l’étude de la gestion intégrée des eaux souterraines et pour la planification à long terme des mesures de protection. L’applicabilité de l’approche européenne de cartographie de la vulnérabilité et des risques (COST action 620) au site d’étude jordanien est généralement approprié, même si certaines modifications ont été nécessaires pour s’ajuster aux particularités régionales.

Resumen

Los recursos hídricos subterráneos en Jordania son limitados debido principalmente a su clima semi árido. En la mayoría de las áreas kársticas, las aguas subterráneas están contaminadas microbiológicamente a consecuencia de la actividad agrícola y de las aguas residuales. Por ello, se han realizado mapas de peligro, vulnerabilidad e intensidad del riesgo (a escala 1/50.000) de un área piloto próxima al Rift en Jordania. Los mapas han sido elaborados con el apoyo de técnicas de teledetección en aquellas zonas donde la información era escasa. Se han utilizado imágenes del LANDSAT ETM+ a y fotografía aérea, de color y pancromática, a diferentes escalas para el procesamiento de las imágenes digitales y la fotointerpretación. En este trabajo se discute y se dan recomendaciones sobre la aplicabilidad de las diferentes imágenes de satélite en los análisis de teledetección. Los datos que se pueden derivar de las imágenes digitales son un avance para la evaluación de la vulnerabilidad y los peligros de contaminación, particularmente aquellos referidos a usos del suelos, cubierta vegetal e infraestructuras urbanas. Los mapas resultantes muestran claramente la vulnerabilidad y los peligros potenciales de contaminación en la zona de estudio, lo que genera una importante base para los estudios de gestión integrada de las aguas subterráneas y de planificación de las medidas protectoras. La aplicabilidad de la aproximación europea a los estudios de vulnerabilidad en karst (COST Action 620) en la zona de estudio (Jordania) es buena, aunque fueron necesarias algunas leves modificaciones de la metodología para ajustarla a las condiciones locales.

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Acknowledgements

The study was done within the framework of the multi-lateral project: Water Resources Evaluation for a Sustainable Development in the Jordan Rift Basin, German-Jordanian-Israeli-Palestinian Joint Research Program funded and supported by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF 02WT0160) and the Israeli Ministry of Science (MOS). The authors would like to thank the BMBF, the MOS, and all project partners for the helpful discussions and their support during the years of scientific cooperation and friendship. The authors also wish to express their thanks to Prof. Elias Salameh of the University in Amman (Jordan) for his support throughout the field surveys and the research in Amman.

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  1. Department of Applied Geology, Hydrogeology, University of Karlsruhe, Kaiserstrasse 12, 76128, Karlsruhe, Germany

    Heike Werz & Heinz Hötzl

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  1. Heike Werz
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  2. Heinz Hötzl
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Correspondence to Heike Werz.

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Werz, H., Hötzl, H. Groundwater risk intensity mapping in semi-arid regions using optical remote sensing data as an additional tool. Hydrogeol J 15, 1031–1049 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-007-0202-0

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