Analysis of Water Resources and Its Relation to Geological Structure in Arid and Semiarid Areas (Case Study: Plains of Kerman Province)

Abstract

Iran is located on the world's belt of arid and semiarid climate and more than two-thirds of its area is experiencing dry conditions. The central zone of the country, and consequently the conditions of the plains of the province are tougher than the rest of the country, therefore in such circumstances, recognition of surface and ground water resources in the plains of Kermanbecomes highly important for sustainable resource management. The main purpose of this paper is to identify the interrelationships and complex geological formations and structures of plains of Kerman, using the pattern of surface and groundwaters for optimal management of this vital fluid in the study area. In this regard,first, allthe meteorological, hydrologic, hydrogeological, geological and the geographic information were collected and analyzed. Then, the geological, agrology, andhydrologic maps was drawn up in the Geographic Information System (GIS). Finally, the required digital layers extracted with base maps and digital elevation model (DEM) of the study area was overlapped. Also,thetechniques of remote sensing and image processing and analysis were used to identify geological structures. The results show that due to the changing nature of the dry plains of Kerman and calcareous material of the geological structure of the area,most of the water resourcesof the plains come from temporary surface water (flood) or ground water sources (wells, fountains, aqueducts. The greatest water resources are related to coarse alluvial deposits ofthe Quaternary period and alluvial fans that show an area with high potential. The results of this study can be used in the management of water resources and the plans for exploitation of these resources which is useful for achieving sustainable development. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s2p720