Geology and detection of groundwater potential using AHP in Kuala Krai, Kelantan

Groundwater is the major source in Kelantan which consumes 70% of the water supply. The rapid development in the field such as population, urbanization, agriculture, and industry has led to an increase water supply demand. This study was conducted at Kuala Krai, Kelantan within latitude 5”36’30˚ to 5”33’50˚ N and longitude 102”8’25˚ to 102”11’10˚ E. The main objectives of this study are to generate a geological map of the study area with a scale of 1:25000 using GIS and delineate a new source of groundwater potential zone using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The lithology of the study area was identified by schist, ignimbrite, interbedded sandstone, siltstone and silt, and alluvium. Seven thematic layers were used to produce groundwater potential map which included lithology, geomorphology, land use, slope, drainage density, rainfall density, and soil type. Each of the thematic layers was given a weightage through AHP technique. The outcome of this research study had obtained the groundwater potential map into four classes which are poor, moderate, and good.