Investigation and analysis the effect of drought on groundwater aquifers in Iran (Case study: Shahrekord plain)

Groundwater is the most valuable water resources in any region and in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, such as Iran, is the main source for drinking and agricultural needs. In recent years, with the increase in population and as a result of increasing withdrawals from aquifers and climate change, many of aquifers are in poor condition, and these conditions continue or are deteriorating. In this regard, regular monitoring of aquifers is always very important and by making appropriate management decisions, it is possible to prevent more damage to aquifers and reduce the damage. The purpose of this study is to determine the droughts of the future and to determine its impact on the aquifer of Shahrekord plain. In this study, using the output of CMIP6 models, climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature for the next period are simulated and the rainfall situation in the region until 2100 has been determined. Then, using the ANFIS model, groundwater depth in five selected piezometers in the plain is predicted by 2050. According to the results of this study, the aquifer condiotion of Shahrekord plain has been determined by 2050 and it has been determined that in some parts of Shahrekord plain, the groundwater depth will increase to 26 meters. Due to possible changes in the future in order to prevent the situation from deteriorating and increasing the damage, appropriate management decisions must be made in this regard.