Investigation of the Effect of Salt Domes on the Quality of Groundwater Resources in Ravar Plain (North of Kerman Province)

Abstract

Salt domes are one of the most important factors in the destruction of nearby water resources. Based on this and considering the outcrop of 17 salt domes in Ravar region of Kerman province, the probability of Ravar plain aquifer being affected by these salt structures is high. Therefore, in this research, an attempt has been made to investigate the aquifer feeding paths and its relationship with the adjacent salt domes by analyzing hydrological and hydrogeochemical data. In this regard, the information of 15 observation wells was used. So that, the path and direction of groundwater flow was determined. In addition, by sampling well water, its hydrogeochemical parameters include pH and electrical conductivity (EC), concentration of bicarbonate ions (HCO3), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), magnesium (Mg) sodium. (Na) and sulfate ion concentration (SO4) were measured. According to the piper diagram, 40% of the samples have chloride and sulfate facies, 30% have carbonate facies and the rest have composite facies. Drawing maps of spatial distribution of hydrogeochemical parameters shows the difference in the quality of groundwater resources in different parts of the plain. By combining the location map of salt domes, rivers and geological map in GIS environment and according to the feeding routes of Ravar aquifer, and water sampling of related rivers, salt domes affect the quality of resources Groundwater was identified. Considering the identification of the main factors and ways to reduce the quality of water resources in Ravar plain, the necessary plans can be made to reduce its adverse effects.

Keywords

• salt domes
• hydrogeochemical properties
• groundwater resources
• gis
• ravar plain