Toward an analysis of water resources components through the Budyko approach in a large-scale framework, Iran

Abstract

Analyzing the water resources components and connecting these components in the large-scale framework lead the decision makers and scientists to find better innovative and more effective solutions to water crisis challenges. Hence, in this study, the trend in the water balance components during 1984–2010 has been analyzed in all 30 major basins in Iran through the Budyko framework considering the role of nature and humans in the water systems. The results show that the evaporation ratio (E/P) is higher than one in the hyper-arid and arid areas, especially in the years with less precipitation. It indicates that in these regions, the basins are under non-steady-state conditions and do not follow the Budyko framework. The trend analysis shows that in the western parts of the country, precipitation is considerably decreasing, leading to less runoff and available surface water and more demand for groundwater extraction. However, the basins in these areas are still under steady-state conditions with inconsiderable water crises. We argue that policymakers need to provide appropriate long-term plans for drought and climate change adaptation focusing on groundwater management to avoid the critical water challenges in these areas.