Spatial Analysis of Surface Features Variations and Rainfall and their Impact on Some Characteristics of Groundwater Wells in the City of Al-Bayda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37375/abhat.v18i1.3925Keywords:
Topographic features, Topographic roughness, Water accumulation, Spatial statistical modeling, Al-Bayda CityAbstract
This study aims to analyze the spatial variability of topography and rainfall and their impacts on selected groundwater well characteristics, particularly depth and productivity, in Al-Bayda City, northeastern Libya. The research integrates field data from 71 groundwater wells with Digital Elevation Model (ASTER) data and rainfall records, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Advanced spatial and statistical tools were applied, including Nearest Neighbor Analysis, Standard Distance, Directional Distribution, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). The results reveal a largely random spatial distribution of wells, with noticeable concentration within the urban core. Topographic characteristics show significant spatial variation in elevation, slope, topographic roughness, and wetness indices. The GWR model demonstrated high explanatory power, accounting for approximately 81% of the spatial variability in well depth and 86% in well productivity. Elevation, rainfall, and the Topographic Wetness Index exhibited positive influences on well productivity, whereas increased topographic roughness and well depth negatively affected productivity. These findings highlight the complex interaction between topographic and climatic factors in controlling groundwater dynamics and emphasize the effectiveness of spatial modeling techniques in supporting sustainable groundwater management in mountainous environments.
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