Quantitative Assessment of Groundwater Using a Mathematical Model: A Case Study of Salmas Plain Aquifer

The first step in relative improving of groundwater management is the recognition of aquifers. Having a complete knowledge of an aquifer، especially on areas with a lack of facilities، requires time، cost، and accurate fieldwork. Mathematical models might be the best tool for reaching this goal. In this research، simulation of the Salmas plain aquifer، which is located in west side of Urmia Lake with an area of around 550 Km2، has been held for both steady-state and nonsteady-state by using GMS7. 1 software pack and MODFLOW2000 calculating code. Then findings are presented for a period of one year of calibration (2009-2010) and validation (2010-2011)، and forecasting for a period of two years. Results showed that the model is able to reflect the actual conditions of the aquifer with minimum errors. Based on the model''s predictions، if the current trend of draining and sinking continues، the water table will significantly decline in the most areas.