Spatio-temporal Monitoring of Groundwater Level Changes in Kermanshah Plain during ۲۰۰۱-۲۰۱۸

Kermanshah aquifer, as one of the strategic groundwater supply sources in western Iran, has faced a concerning trend of water table decline over the past two decades. This study aimed to monitor and analyze the spatio-temporal changes in the groundwater level of this aquifer, utilizing data from observation wells at two time points, ۱۳۸۰ and ۱۳۹۷. To better understand the spatial distribution of water level decline and evaluate the performance of interpolation model, a geostatistical method, IDW, were employed in ArcGIS software. The results from the analysis of zoning maps indicated that the highest rate of groundwater level decline is concentrated in the southern and southwestern areas of Kermanshah Plain, such that in some points, the increase in groundwater depth has reached over ۶۰ meters. In analyzing the causes of water table decline, factors such as uncontrolled development of irrigated agriculture, increased population and drinking water consumption, existence of unauthorized wells, reduced natural aquifer recharge, and lack of effective exploitation management systems were identified. The consequences of this decline include increased salinity, reduced water quality, land subsidence, and decreased environmental sustainability of the region. Based on the research findings, prioritizing solutions such as modifying cropping patterns, sealing unauthorized wells, utilizing modern irrigation systems, and implementing artificial recharge programs are recommended.

کلیدواژه ها:

Kermanshah Aquifer ، Water Table Decline ، Spatial Analysis ، ArcGIS ، Unauthorized Wells ، Water Resources Management