Groundwater Formation and Potential Zones in Serbia

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in Open Geosciences journal has highlighted the significance of groundwater as a reliable and sustainable water source in the Kolubara Mining Basin influence zone in Serbia. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Belgrade, used Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and multi-criteria analysis to assess and identify potential groundwater zones. The study found that precipitation and geology are the most influential factors in groundwater formation, and that groundwater potential zones can be categorized into five classes: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and multi-criteria analysis, specifically the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to assess groundwater potential zones in the Kolubara Mining Basin influence zone in Serbia.
  • The research found that precipitation and geology are the most influential factors in groundwater formation, accounting for the highest weights in the AHP process.
  • Groundwater potential zones were categorized into five classes: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high.
  • The study considered factors such as rainfall, geology, slope, river network density, and land use/land cover in evaluating the potential for groundwater.
  • The research concluded that the results will enhance groundwater management at both regional and local levels and contribute to the future protection of this resource.
  • Zivanovic Milica, a researcher at the University of Belgrade, was involved in the study, along with other authors Milanovic Misko M., Momirovic Natalija, Tomic Milisav, and Krickovic Emina.

Statistics:

  • 5 classes of groundwater potential zones were identified in the study: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high.
  • Precipitation and geology were found to be the most influential factors in groundwater formation, accounting for the highest weights in the AHP process (55% and 30%, respectively).
  • The study considered 5 factors in evaluating the potential for groundwater: rainfall, geology, slope, river network density, and land use/land cover.
  • The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the relative weights of the factors in groundwater formation.

Sources:

  • Assessment of groundwater potential zones using GIS and AHP techniques - A case study of the zone of influence of Kolubara Mining Basin. Open Geosciences, 2025,17(1):3355-34. (Open Geosciences - http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/geo).
  • Science Letter. 2025. Researchers at University of Belgrade Release New Study Findings on Geoscience (Assessment of groundwater potential zones using GIS and AHP techniques - A case study of the zone of influence of Kolubara Mining Basin). September 5, 2025; p 1214.