A Dual-Method Assessment of the Yarmouk Basin's Groundwater Vulnerability Using SINTACS and Random Forest

Water scarcity and increased human pressures are crucial issues facing Jordan. Chemical pollutants significantly influence groundwater quality in Jordan due to increased pollution risks, ease of contamination, and various human activities that release harmful compounds into the groundwater. The Yarmouk River Groundwater Basin (YRB) is one of the main basins in northern Jordan. It is exploited for domestic, drinking, agricultural, and industrial uses. This study assessed the groundwater vulnerability for the YRB through the implementation of a dual-method approach, employing the SINTACS intrinsic groundwater vulnerability model and the Random Forest (RF) machine learning method. The results revealed similarities and differences between the two models. The delineation of low-vulnerability zones was similar, suggesting that the intrinsic hydrogeological characteristics of these areas provide robust natural protection against contamination. In addition, both models suggest that the eastern, northern, and southern parts are areas of ?high? and ?very high? vulnerability. Subtle differences can be observed, particularly in the precise delineation of boundaries and the fragmentation of vulnerability zones. Generally, the results show that over (47%) and (43%) of the basin area falls into the high- and very high vulnerability classes, while the very low and low classes make up about (14%) and (15%), based on the SINTACS and RF models, respectively. Using the SINTACS and RF groundwater vulnerability assessments in the YRB provides valuable insights into groundwater susceptibility in this critical area of Jordan. The identified high- and very high-vulnerability areas within YRB highlight the urgent need for protective measures to safeguard this vital groundwater resource for both present and future generations. The SINTACS model proves to be a reliable tool for intrinsic vulnerability assessment in the study area, consistent with its application in other parts of Jordan and similar dry regions.