The Study of Desertification Process on the Basis of Annual Groundwater Level Decline: A Case Study of Kashan Aquifer, Iran

Desertification is considering as third global challenge after climate change and lack of fresh water. This phenomenon is affected by various factors such as groundwater decline and its salinity. In this study، desertification determined using groundwater decline index and IMDPA model in Kashan aquifer. In this regard، due to the indices of IMPDA was given a score to each work unit and then their desertification intensity was classified on the basis of groundwater decline. Results showed that more than 95% of the study area is ranked in very severe class. Also، the average annual water table decline is 1. 75 m in 36 wells in Kashan aquifer during 1990-2010. Furtheremore، the average water table has declined about 35. 4 m in Kashan aquifer during 20 years.