Simulation of groundwater flow in Fars Nobandegan plain using GMS software

Managing and monitoring the quantity of groundwater resources, along with assessing the intensity and direction of their flow, constitute fundamental principles for sustainable utilization of such resources. This study aims to utilize GMS software to simulate and analyze groundwater resources in Nobandegan plain, Fars, Iran. The objectives include deriving long-term variations in these resources, evaluating the water balance, and ascertaining the direction and intensity of groundwater flow.

Data related to pumping wells, observation wells, topographic features of the plain, and rainfall, among other pertinent information, were gathered using reports from Fars Regional Water Company. Subsequently, a comprehensive hydraulic model was developed to simulate, calibrate, and validate the groundwater flow within the plain. Following this, the overall trajectory and flow intensity within the plain aquifer were simulated.

The hydrograph pertaining to groundwater within the plain reveals a ~50 meter water table drop over the course of the investigation period.  The predominant groundwater flow within this plain is directed from the northern mountainous regions toward the southwestern expanses. The maximum hydraulic head is recorded at approximately 1283 meters, while the minimum stands at 1175 meters above mean sea level, indicating a 108-m drop in the aquifer water table elevation. The simulation results of the groundwater flow within the plain reveal an increased velocity in the northern regions and, to some extent, in the southern reaches of the plain. The findings of this study may be employed for groundwater quality studies on this plain.