Assessment of Climate Change at 2055 Horizon on Groundwater Resources in Kerman-Baghin Plain

Abstract

Ground water is one of the major resources of fresh water needed for humans, especially in arid areas. It will be seriously threatened in future due to climate change and global warming. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of climate change on groundwater resources in the Kerman-Baghin plain. Accordingly, climate prediction at 2055 horizon (2065-2046) was used by the atmospheric general circulation model HadCM3 with A2 emissions scenario. Also groundwater table during the years (1986 -2009) and the quality situation (salinity) over the years (2003-2009) were studied. The results of LARS-WG model showed that the average annual rainfall at the 2055 horizon will be reduced about 3.6 mm. Also the annual maximum and minimum temperatures will increase during the 2055 horizon, 2.8°C and 2.8 °C, respectively. Assessing of unit hydrograph and chemograph in Kerman- Baghin plain highlighted a drop in the water table (0.89 meter depletion per year) and increase of aquifer salinity. According to the results of atmospheric general circulation model (HadCM3), this trend in the water table and increase in aquifer salinity expected to be continued.

Keywords

• climate change
• groundwater
• unit hydrograph
• chemograph
• kerman-baghin plain