Simulation of salinity distribution due to the active salt karst in Gotvand Dam using system dynamics and determination of the parameters influencing salinity amount

An important issue in the operation of the Gotvand reservoir is the presence of salt formation in this reservoir. The present study has sought to identify whether it is possible to modify the operation curve of the Gotvand Dam to reduce the destructive effects of the Anbal salt dome and increase the operation of this reservoir. To achieve this goal, the performance of the Gotvand Dam reservoir was modeled from the time it was used (from August 2011 to March 2017), as well as the behavior of active salt karstic activity inside the reservoir with the dynamic system tools. The results showed that during the simulation period, the average amount of corrosion of the salt dome in contact with the reservoir water was 20.1 cm per day. Besides, 43.72 million tons of salt has been accumulated in the reservoir. Analysis of the results showed that 39% of the reservoir salinity is due to the dissolution of the salt formation. The rest of the salinity enters the reservoir with the upstream runoff. Based on the results of sensitivity analysis, changes in water level in the reservoir is the most important factor determining the salinity distribution parameters in the reservoir and the best remaining solution to reduce the effects of the salt dome inside the Gotvand Reservoir is to implement the curve of the optimal use of the reservoir for water released through the Gotvand Dam and the upstream basin of this dam.