BUILDING UP AN INFILTRATION CAPACITY MODEL USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN OCCIDENTAL LEBANON

Among the various environmental processes, water exploration is probably the most important task in most countries, especially those suffering from high shortage and considerable demands. This study deals with establishing a GIS model leading to the determination of infiltration water capacities and thereof potential water rechargeable areas (aquifers) over a representative region of Lebanon. This determination was based on defining factors influencing water recharge; some of these factors were extracted from satellite imageries while others were established from available digital data. Rates and weights were assigned to each factor depending on its act/ influence in recharging underground water. These factors include: “faults and lineaments” frequency (22%) and drainage densities (18%), lithological formations (23%), karstic domains (20%) and land cover/use (17%). Statistical (wells yielding) and geophysical sounding validation indicates a high reliability of the produced qualitative infiltration capacity map with an on overall accuracy of 81%. The constructed model can be extrapolated to other countries in the Mediterranean region and can be used in other studies dealing with different environmental issues.