| dc.description.abstract | In this study, the most suitable areas in terms of groundwater potential within the borders of the adjacent area of Sivas
Municipality (Sivas/Turkey) were determined with the help of Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Best–Worst
Method (BWM) and Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) methods. Slope, drainage density, Topographic
Position Index (TPI), lineament density, lithology, soil types, land use, geomorphology, and rainfall criteria were selected to
determine groundwater potential areas. These criteria were weighted with the help of BWM, SWARA, and BWM-SWARA
methods and the Groundwater Potential Index (GPI) was calculated according to the weighted linear combination method.
According to the calculated GPI values, the groundwater potential of the study area was represented as “excellent,” “very
good,” “good,” “moderately good,” “low,” and “very low.” According to all three methods, areas in the “excellent” class
constituted 10.99%, 8.40%, and 11.16% of the study area, respectively, while areas in the “very low” class covered 8.33%,
7.98%, and 9.04% of the study area, respectively. The linear correlation coefcient (R2
) values of the BWM, SWARA, and
BWM-SWARA methods were calculated as 0.80, 0.82, and 0.75, respectively, while the area under the curve (AUC) values were determined as 0.83, 0.79, and 0.81, respectively. These results showed that the accuracy of the model was “very
good” overall. As a result, groundwater potential mapping created for the study area will contribute to better development
of groundwater resources and water management planning. | tr |
