Investigation of land use changes and its relationship with groundwater level Case study: Meshginshahr plain
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: across the study area, with the most pronounced depletion occurring in irrigated agricultural zones.These regions displayed the highest average groundwater depths in both years (34.02 m in 2000 and 37.08 m in 2015), emphasizing the significant dependence on groundwater for irrigation purposes.Conversely, forest and water body classifications exhibited the lowest groundwater depths, suggesting the presence of natural recharge processes within these areas.The statistical analysis corroborated a strong correlation between land use changes and fluctuations in groundwater levels, particularly attributable to the conversion of rangeland and forested areas into agricultural and urban uses. ConclusionThis study elucidates the substantial influence of land use changes on groundwater levels in the Meshginshahr plain.The proliferation of irrigated agriculture and urbanization has resulted in a persistent decline in groundwater levels, thereby posing a significant threat to long-term water sustainability.The integration of remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and geostatistical methodologies has proven effective in monitoring and analyzing these changes.The application of the Ordinary Kriging method utilizing a Gaussian model yielded the most precise estimations of groundwater levels.The findings underscore the necessity for integrated land and water management strategies to mitigate further depletion of groundwater resources and to promote sustainable development in the region.Policymakers and local authorities are urged to incorporate these insights into future planning and regulation of water use practices.
DOI: 10.61882/jgs.25.79.3
Institution: University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4413457707