The Application of statistical techniques to study the interaction between surface water and groundwater resources in karstic zones

Statistical techniques are very applicable in the study of hydro chemical characteristic and evaluation of water resources. Andarokh-Kardeh region is located northeast of Iran and provides notable part of potable water of Mashhad, the second most populated city of Iran. To better understand the hydro chemicalcharacteristic and evaluation of water resources, they have been classified to karstic groundwater (KGW), nonkarstic groundwater (NKGW) and surface water (SW) resources. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) have been used to study hydro chemical characteristic of water resources. Furthermore, the interaction between surface water and groundwater resources in the study region has been studied using Cross-Correlation Function (CCF). The results show that low karstification occurs in karstic aquifer and no obvious correlation exists between surface and groundwater resources in the study region. The CCF analysis demonstrates different hydro geological conditions during wet and dry period, and highlights the main process which affect hydro geology of the region. The results obtained in this study can be used by water resources scientists for the future water management programmes.