Assessment of groundwater recharge influenced by floodwater spreading: an integrated approach with limited accessible data

• Published in: Hydrological sciences journal 2017-01, Vol.62 (1), p.147-164
• Main Authors: Pakparvar, M., Walraevens, K., Cheraghi, S.A.M., Ghahari, Gh, Cornelis, W., Gabriels, D., Kowsar, S.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: floodwater spreading; Gareh Bygone Plain; Iran; recharge; water budget
• ISSN: 0262-6667; 2150-3435
• DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2016.1183164

To assess the response of groundwater to artificial recharge through floodwater spreading (FWS) a combination approach of water table fluctuations and water budget was used. In this process, water level data in six observation wells installed inside and around the site of the FWS systems together with the amount of rainfall and volume of floodwater diverted to the system were examined during the period 1993-2012. Specific yield was also determined based on measured soil hydraulic properties for three experimental wells hand drilled within the FWS systems. The observation wells located inside the FWS systems were less susceptible to drought and abstractions than the other wells in the area. The hydrograph of the wells inside the FWS showed a large disparity in rises (0.5-2.05 m) after the two major floods in 2004 and 2005 due to systems closure in 2004. The water budget calculated based on water table fluctuations for 2010/11 showed that the contribution of FWS systems to total recharge in the study area was about 57-61%. EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis ASSOCIATE EDITOR S. Kanae