Evaluation of the Environmental Impacts of Aquifer Depletion in Jiroft Plain and Prediction of the Future Status

The main purpose of this Study is to recognize and evaluate the environmental impacts of aquifer depletion in Jiroft plain in Kerman Province, Iran, during several past years and Prediction of the future status. In this regard, all relevant data, including meteorological, hydrological, hydrogeological, geological, and geographicl data have been gathered and evaluated. Isocheimal maps and groundwater table maps of this plain were drawn using ArcGIS software. Accordingly the over-extraction, water table decline rate, excess discharge, as well as chemical changes of aquifers has been determined. Assuming that the past and present trends would continue in the future, the status of aquifers fot the next 10 years has been determined. Results indicated that the overdraft has led to several environmental impacts including groundwater quality variation, increase in energy consumption for groundwater extraction, enhancement of susceptibility to drought, ground subsidence, the occurrence of cracks and joints in buildings, etc. If no drastic actions are taken, the plain will not only be faced with much more severe environmental impacts, but will also encounter economical and social problems.