Fuzzy logic-based assessment for mapping potential infiltration areas in low-gradient watersheds

Area of Science:

• Hydrology
• Remote Sensing
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Low-gradient watersheds are crucial for groundwater recharge.
• Agricultural activities increase groundwater demand, necessitating efficient management.
• Identifying infiltration areas is key for sustainable water resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and apply a logic-based approach for identifying potential infiltration areas.
• To assess infiltration potential using remote sensing data in the Pampa Plain, Argentina.
• To evaluate subwatersheds based on hydrologic and soil conditions.

Main Methods:

• A logic-based model integrating remote sensing data.
• Analysis of parameters: drainage density, geomorphologic units, soil type, land cover, slope, and aspect.
• Application in a sector of the Pampa Plain, Argentina.

Main Results:

• 41% of the watershed showed high to very high potential for infiltration.
• Low drainage density, arable land/pastures, specific soil types, and certain geomorphologic units were indicative of high infiltration.
• Subwatersheds in upper and lower sections were identified as key infiltration zones.

Conclusions:

• The developed model effectively identifies potential infiltration areas using accessible parameters.
• Findings support targeted water resource management in agricultural regions.
• Remote sensing-based hydrological assessment is valuable for low-gradient watersheds.