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Regional Suitability Assessment of Fars Province for Subsurface Dam Implementation
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Hamid Hosseinimarandi *   , Alireza Majidi , Parsa Haghighi |
| 1. Assistant Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Department, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Shiraz, Iran |
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Abstract: (57 Views) |
Subsurface dams are recognized as strategic and efficient structures for water-resources management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where they play a vital role in reducing evaporation losses and enhancing aquifer recharge. This study aims to identify and map suitable locations for subsurface dam construction in Fars Province, Iran. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), multiple spatial datasets—including geology, topography, geomorphology, population distribution, road networks, hydrology, and water-resource layers—were integrated to evaluate site suitability. A total of 100 potential locations were selected based on key technical, environmental, and socio-economic criteria and subsequently classified into three implementation-priority levels.
Suitable sites are generally characterized by permeable alluvial deposits of sufficient thickness, an impermeable bedrock foundation, favorable channel gradients, stable baseflow conditions, and proximity to areas of water demand. Spatial analysis revealed that 15% of the identified sites are located in the northern part of the province, 42% in the central region, and 43% in the southern region, highlighting the wide distribution of geological and hydrological potential within Fars. Field validation and consultation with local experts significantly enhanced the accuracy and completeness of the final suitability map.
The resulting digital map, developed as a GIS-based decision-support tool, provides precise spatial information to facilitate informed, rapid, and optimized planning for water-resource managers and policymakers. To ensure sustainable long-term performance, further detailed investigations are recommended for medium- and low-priority sites, including geotechnical assessments, water-quality analyses, and periodic updates of the suitability map to accommodate climatic and environmental changes.
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Article number: 5 |
| Keywords: Low-permeability formation, Baseflow, Alluvial deposits, River constrictions, Water resilience. |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
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