Groundwater withdrawal management measures using a finite difference mathematical model: A case study of Marvdasht aquifer in Fars province

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Water Engineering and Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Water Engineering and Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

3 School of Engineering, University of Northern British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

In this study involves a finite difference mathematical model was used to simulate the groundwater flow in an aquifer within a real study area in Fars Province. Firstly, a 15-year simulation period was conducted to analyze groundwater level fluctuations and the aquifer water balance. Subsequently, key parameters, including return flow coefficients, infiltration rate from precipitation, and groundwater recharge coefficient, were calibrated. Based on the calibration results, it was determined that the infiltration rate from precipitation across the entire study area was approximately 23%. However, the return flow coefficient varied across different parts of the region, ranging between 20% and 50%. To predict the future status of groundwater resources, several management measures were considered. The simulation results indicated that changing the irrigation system from traditional surface irrigation to a pressurized irrigation system had the most significant impact on the aquifer balance and groundwater levels compared to other scenarios. Specifically, in the area where this scenario was implemented, the groundwater level declined by 17 meters, and the aquifer storage deficit increased by 7.8 million cubic meters. In contrast, the crop pattern modification and groundwater withdrawal reduction scenarios had a positive effect on the aquifer balance and groundwater levels. These two scenarios led to an increase in groundwater levels by 4 meters and 11.7 meters, respectively, in the affected areas. Overall, for sustainable water management and optimal use of water resource, it is recommended that crop pattern modification and groundwater withdrawal reduction policies be prioritized over changing the irrigation system policies.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 May 2025

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