Canal Network Research Articles

Enhancing hydrologic LiDAR digital elevation models: Bridging hydrographic gaps at fine scales

AbstractHigh‐resolution digital elevation models (HRDEMs), derived from LiDAR, are widely used for mapping hydrographic details in flat terrains. However, artificial flow barriers, particularly from roads, elevate terrain and prematurely end flowlines. Drainage barrier processing (DBP), such as HRDEM excavation, is employed to address this issue. However, there is a gap in quantitatively assessing the impact of DBP on HRDEM‐derived flowlines, especially at finer scales. This study fills that gap by quantitatively assessing how DBP improves flowline quality at finer scales. We evaluated HRDEM‐derived flowlines that were generated using different flow direction algorithms, developing a framework to measure the effects of flow barrier removal. The results show that the primary factor influencing flowline quality is the presence of flow accumulation artifacts. Quality issues also stem from differences between natural and artificial flow paths, unrealistic flowlines in flat areas, complex canal networks, and ephemeral drainage ways. Notably, the improvement achieved by DBP is demonstrated to be more than 6%, showcasing its efficacy in reducing the impact of flow barriers on hydrologic connectivity.

Extraction of Canal Distribution Information Based on UAV Remote Sensing System and Object-Oriented Method

At present, the extraction of irrigation canal network distribution information is of great significance for developing a digital twin irrigation district. However, due to the low resolution of remote sensing images, it is difficult to effectively identify the canal networks, especially for channels with a width of less than 1 m, where recognition is insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to extract canal networks of different widths in an irrigation district in Shaanxi Province as the research area. A rule-based object-oriented classification method was employed, utilizing image data collected by the DJI Mavic 3 multispectral UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to explore the accuracy of this method in extracting canal distribution information. Based on UAV multispectral remote sensing imagery, the segmentation parameters for the remote sensing imagery were determined using ENVI 5.6 software, with the segmentation threshold set at 60 and the merging threshold set at 80. By combining the spectral and spatial differences between the canals and other ground objects, rules for extracting canal network distribution information were established, and the information on the distribution of channels in this irrigation area was finally obtained. The experimental results showed a maximum recall rate of 91.88% and a maximum precision rate of 57.59%. The overall recall precision rates for the irrigation district were 85.74% and 55.08%, respectively. This method provides a new solution for identifying and extracting canal systems in irrigation districts, offering valuable insights for acquiring canal distribution information and providing a scientific basis for precision irrigation.

Aesthete Pattern Diversity in Chiton Clades (Mollusca: Polyplacophora): Balancing Sensory Structures and Strength in Valve Architecture.

Chitons possess the most elaborate system of shell pores found in any hard-shelled invertebrate. Although chitons possess some anteriorly located sense organs, they lack true cephalization, as their major sensory systems are not concentrated in a distinct head region. Instead, the aesthete system within their shells forms a dense sensory network that overcomes the barrier of their hard dorsal armour. The basic arrangement of neural structures embedded within a solid, opaque matrix, has confounded understanding of the overall network. In this study, we use synchrotron X-ray μCT to visualise the aesthete canal networks inside chiton valves. We selected representatives from all three major chiton clades: Lepidopleurida, the basal branching clade, and Callochitonida and Chitonida, which both havemore complex shell morphology, to compare internal structure. Lepidopleurida aesthete canals are oriented vertically and pass directly through the shell to connect with the body. By contrast, aesthetes canals in Callochitonida and Chitonida have complex internal structures with extended horizontal passages, coalescing at the shell diagonal that corresponds to the valve insertion slits. This represents a stepwise evolution of chiton shell form, where thicker and more complex valves require a diverting and rewiring of the entire sensorynetwork. Aspects of the aesthete system, such as the microscopic arrangement of surface pores, have long been used in chiton taxonomy for species diagnoses; insertion slits should also be understood as a secondary feature of the aesthete system. Chiton shell structures that are used for morphological systematics are driven by sensory adaptations.

Analisis Indeks Kinerja Jaringan Saluran Irigasi Studi Kasus Irigasi Sungai Siulak Deras Kabupaten Kerinci

The Siulak Deras Irrigation canal network is the main source of water distribution in several areas. The Siulak Deras Irrigation Area in Kerinci Regency was built in 1993 with water flow regulation and complete Siulak Deras Irrigation network facilities including the Technical irrigation group. As time goes by, the service function of the irrigation network experiences a decline in performance, so that operation and maintenance of the irrigation network is an activity that is really needed to make the irrigation network remain optimal and maintain its performance. In this regard, an assessment of the Performance Index of the irrigation system in the Siulak Deras Irrigation Area needs to be carried out to determine the value of aspects or components that are not yet optimal in this irrigation area so that special treatment can be immediately carried out or improved. The assessment is carried out by starting an inventory of the condition and function of the physical infrastructure of the irrigation network, planting productivity results, supporting facilities, organization, documentation and institutional P3A to determine the performance value and recommendations for handling it. The results of the irrigation network system performance index in the Siulak Deras irrigation area for the Left Irrigation Channel section are 69.59%, which means that the irrigation system performance is close to good performance, namely 70%, but still needs to be improved and needs attention. With a physical infrastructure value of 29.32%, planting productivity 14.21%, supporting facilities 6.15%, personnel organization 10.94%, documentation 2.46%, and P3A institutions 6.50%. Based on the performance index value obtained, and the total performance score in the form of a percentage, it is necessary to specifically maintain and repair physical facilities and infrastructure at several points that are damaged, facilitate supporting facilities for OP officers so that officers can act quickly and precisely in carrying out activities, and paying more attention to P3A so that it can always contribute to maintaining and utilizing the Siulak Deras irrigation network properly and optimally in the future.

Flow dynamics and channel changes at Yamuna River in Delhi-National Capital Region, India

ABSTRACT The present work was carried out on River Yamuna passing through Delhi-National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) of India for a stretch of about 125 km to assess the fluvial characteristics in the highly human-dominated region for a period of 200 years with the help of historical maps, topographical maps and satellite data with integration of geographic information system (GIS) environment. Erosion, deposition and channel stability data were analyzed for 1977–1986, 1986–1996, 1996–2006, 2006–2016, and 2016–2022 period. Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) application was utilized to quantify river channel movement with average channel migration of 22.8 m/year. Westward migration is 4149.2 m maximum in length and eastward migration is about 4083.8 m. The river has migrated a total of 32.26 km2 of area during 1955-2022. The findings indicate that various human activities, such as engineering structures, sand mining, embankments, urbanization, land use/land cover changes, and canal networks, have significantly impacted the river. The DSAS application was also used to predict the position of river channel centerline in future for 2032 and 2042 with channel length of 132.5 and 141.6 km respectively.

Impact of lining of irrigation canals on groundwater recharge: A case study from Punjab province in Indus River basin of Pakistan

The Canal irrigation network of Pakistan's Indus River Basin (IRB) is one of the world's largest gravity-flow networks, with a significant portion located in Punjab province. The conveyance, delivery, and application of this water to the irrigated crops in the basin result in the loss of more than 50% of its water. This loss of water from the irrigation system is a major source of recharge for the large alluvial aquifer underlying the IRB. Canal lining is carried out as a measure to reduce seepage losses from the conveyance system of irrigation water. On the other hand, canal lining is considered a barrier to aquifer recharge. A study titled “Impact assessment of canal lining in Punjab,” funded by JICA, has been carried out in order to interrogate the comparative performance of lined and unlined canals and their impact on groundwater recharge. We measured seepage losses from 14 selected irrigation-lined canals in Punjab province under actual field conditions using ponding and/or inflow-outflow methods. Results have been compared with pre-lining seepage rates. The results indicate that canal lining has reduced seepage losses by 78%. The heavy pumping in fresh groundwater areas invites saline groundwater from adjacent saline zones. The canal flows at the head have reduced the recharge to groundwater by 9%. Nonetheless, saving from seepage losses by canal lining has increased available water for crops, but it has decreased groundwater recharge.

Creating Kaveri Delta beneath our feet: An experiment in grounding socio-hydrology in Tamil Nadu, India

This paper presents an experiment in grounding socio-hydrology in the Kaveri Delta, Tamil Nadu. It follows a care-ful research attitude that shows a willingness to be blindsided and confronted with surprises, cultivates concerns by immersion in the case, and actively contributes to desired realities and futures. The paper centres and reflects on ways of participatory data collection, from monitoring borewells to gathering groundwater ethnographies. An earlier developed hydrogeological model is introduced and then mirrored to collected well data and grounded in the practices, knowledges and logics of engineers, activists and farmers working and living in the delta. We show engineers maintaining a network of weirs and irrigation canals, water worship and grassroots rejuvenation of tanks, and farmers’ borewell adaptations and insights to oscillating water levels. Bringing logics into dialogue offers openings to reconsider aquifer conceptualisations, embrace recharge opportunities and appreciate local ways of dealing with groundwater. The message from of this experiment is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to integrate all logics and knowledges in one overarching model or framework but that there are merits when staying with, and respecting, the differences among logics as it offers a potential for mutual learning, reflection and discussion.

Real-time integrated water availability – Salt intrusion modelling and management during droughts

Climate change and population increase are major challenges when guaranteeing a sustainable water supply in densely populated river basins worldwide, where different water users such as industry, drinking water production and agriculture typically come into conflict. During dry periods, real time monitoring and short term forecasting of the water availability are crucial to prepare and take appropriate action. Integrated water quantity and water quality models of complex surface water systems are indispensable to achieve this. However, existing model techniques often focus on a single aspect of the water system, are computationally too demanding and are hard to integrate with other sub models. This paper proposes a framework for developing efficient, integrated water quantity/quality models in support of real-time management and forecasting of complex surface water systems. Its three main components are: a low-flow prediction for the supplying river(s) during dry periods, a conceptual water quantity-quality model with semi-automated retrieval of necessary boundary conditions and input data, and classification models to predict the water quality state of the considered system during forecasts or scenario analyses. The novelty of the methodology lies in the use of parsimonious, computationally efficient sub-models that still allow to consider numerous operational rules, competing water users and water supply and quality constraints. The framework was tested in the context of water availability and salt intrusion management during droughts in the Campine Canals in the Scheldt-Meuse-Rhine delta, considering boundary conditions of shipping traffic, pumping at locks, hydropower stations, level regulation, and water abstractions for drinking water supply, industry, agriculture and nature reserves. Despite the complexity of the considered system, the model is able to describe the state of the water system in terms of water levels, discharges and salt intrusion impacts on water production with an acceptable accuracy. The research shows that the Campine Canal network is susceptible to water scarcity due to the increased risk of low flows in summer as a consequence of climate change. Local decision makers should adopt both effective adaptation strategies as well as real-time forecasts in acute drought situations to increase the region’s defence and resiliency against water shortages.

Water resource sources in the ancient town of Si Mahosot, Thailand

Management of available water resources has been practiced throughout human history. We examine here some aspects of water resource management in the ancient (6th to 13th century) town of Si Mahosot (Thailand). Based on isotopic measurements (2H, 18O, and 222Rn) of both surface water and groundwater samples, we confirmed that groundwater is the main source of water that feeds the town's canal network. Based on a series of shallow wells in the area, we estimated a radon endmember activity of 14,200 Bq/m3 for the groundwater that feeds the canals. We used a radon mass balance model that considers radon inputs via groundwater and losses via decay and atmospheric evasion. Applying our estimated endmember activity, we calculated a water flux into the canal domain studied of 145 ± 36 m3/day, enough to replace the water within this section of the canal within 16–26 days. A separate independent approach using a18O mass balance resulted in a very similar discharge estimate of 154 ± 39 m3/day into the studied canal. The flux may have been higher when the former town was occupied as there are indications that groundwater levels were higher here in the past.

Modeling Al-Qaraqoul canal before and after rehabilitation using HEC-RAS

The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation launched in 2020 the national project to rehabilitate the canals network to rationalize the use of water resources to face the scarcity problems. The aim of study is to evaluate the impact of canal rehabilitation on the performance of irrigation water delivered laterally to Mesqa’s and longitudinally to the end of canal. Qaraqoul Canal et al.-Mallah Area, Alexandria, Egypt, was modeled using Hydrologic Engineering Center's-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) to simulate water levels in the canal before and after rehabilitation using four discharge scenarios: 1.82, 3.7, 2.2, 7.87 m3/s. The calibration before rehabilitation shows that HEC-RAS simulated water levels corresponding to a discharge of 2.2 m3/s were in a good agreement with the actual field measured water levels. HEC-RAS results demonstrated that rehabilitation hydraulically improved the efficiency and performance of water conveyed by the canal. On the other hand, second scenario can be considered as suitable to keep water to reach the canal downstream with minimum suitable discharge, providing the need of two emergency pumps at last two branch canals called Mesqa’s. An ideal cross-section is also simulated using HEC-RAS which produced an efficient alternative with 40% less cost than the constructed alternative.

Solar PV and canal irrigation financing: Leveraging energy cash flow for sustainable agriculture

This research paper explores the innovative financing model for integrating Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems with canal irrigation infrastructure. The focus is on utilizing energy cash flow generation to fund these sustainable projects. The study investigates the potential benefits, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts of this model, particularly in regions with extensive canal networks and high solar insolation. A specific case study of the Siret-Bărăgan irrigation canal in Romania, powered by floating photovoltaic systems, is analysed in detail. This study explores the feasibility and benefits of financing the Siret-Bărăgan irrigation canal in Romania through the integration of floating Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The project aims to address water scarcity, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable energy production. By leveraging green bond financing, the initiative proposes a financially viable and environmentally sustainable solution to Romania’s irrigation and energy challenges. The paper presents an in-depth analysis of the project’s technical, economic, and environmental aspects, underscoring its potential as a model for similar projects globally.

Assessing water distribution and efficiency by coupled hydraulic-hydrological modeling for irrigation canal network

Assessing water distribution and efficiency by coupled hydraulic-hydrological modeling for irrigation canal network

Visual Impression of urban waterways in shrinking cities: Case study of Matsue canal network around the castle

Visual Impression of urban waterways in shrinking cities: Case study of Matsue canal network around the castle

TRENDS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIMODALITY

The construction of highways facilitated the adaptation of an economy to the road network, so that only a small proportion of industrial facilities were located near railway lines or canal networks. In addition, the competitiveness of rail transport is reduced due to a lack of flexibility on timetabled routes. This is in stark contrast to the freedom and flexibility of road transport, which is able to synchronize the freight movements and manufacturing and warehousing operations much better. In the Studies for the TRAN Committee Modal change in European transport: the way forward , multimodality is identified as a potential solution to the question of sustainable freight transport. KEYWORDS: Freight, Strategies, Transport, Trends, Tariff, Import Duty, Customs Authorities, Maritime Shipping

Empowering Farmers to Enhance Water Use Efficiency: Innovative Practices in SSPC

The Sardar Sarovar project, featuring a gravity dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat, stands as one of the largest in terms of concrete volume globally. This study investigates the project's extensive canal network and its impact on agricultural productivity in the command area. Covering a vast expanse across multiple states, the project's irrigation allocation and water management strategies are examined. Special attention is given to addressing soil degradation issues, particularly salinity, and implementing farmer-centered interventions to enhance water use efficiency. Methodologies include land rejuvenation efforts, reclamation of salt-affected land, participatory irrigation management, and promoting improved agricultural practices. Results indicate successful mitigation of soil degradation and increased crop yields through strategic interventions like cotton-castor relay cropping which has demonstrated a 1.5-fold increase in income compared to sole cropping. Intercropping with isabgul/ajwain, and implementing deficit irrigation have resulted in a substantial 43% increase in overall yield, particularly in cumin cultivation. Farmers have also embraced innovative water-saving techniques, such as alternative furrow irrigation and strategic timing of irrigation during critical growth stages, resulting in water savings of 30-35%. However, challenges remain in achieving widespread adoption of participatory irrigation management practices. The study concludes with insights into the necessity of sustained social engineering efforts and community engagement for long-term water resource management and agricultural sustainability in the project area.

Comparative microplastic analysis in urban waters using μ-FTIR and Py-GC-MS: A case study in Amsterdam

The contamination of freshwater with microplastics (MPs) has been established globally. While the analysis of MPs has predominantly involved spectroscopic methods for revealing particle numbers, the potential of employing spectroscopy for mass estimation has been underutilized. Consequently, there is a need to enhance our understanding of the mass loads of MPs and ensure the complementarity and comparability of various techniques for accurate quantification. This study presents the first comparative results on urban water samples using micro Fourier-transform infrared (μ-FTIR) imaging and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to identify and quantify MPs in both particle numbers and mass concentration. Two sampling campaigns in summer and winter were conducted at 11 locations within the Amsterdam canal network. An advanced in-situ volume-reducing sampling pump was employed to collect MPs from the surface water within the size fraction of 10–300 μm. The analysis revealed MP concentrations within the range of 16–107 MP/m3, estimated to be 2.0–789 μg/m3 by μ-FTIR imaging and 8.5–754 μg/m3 by Py-GC-MS. The results of the two analysis techniques showed good comparability in terms of the general trends of MP abundances, with variations in polymer compositions due to the inherent inter-methodological differences. Elevated MP concentrations were observed in the city center compared to the suburban areas. In addition, seasonal differences in MP abundances were noted at the locations with high human activity.

Seasonal hydrological dynamics affected the diversity and assembly process of the antibiotic resistome in a canal network

The significant threat of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to aquatic environments health has been widely acknowledged. To date, several studies have focused on the distribution and diversity of ARGs in a single river while their profiles in complex river networks are largely known. Here, the spatiotemporal dynamics of ARG profiles in a canal network were examined using high-throughput quantitative PCR, and the underlying assembly processes and its main environmental influencing factors were elucidated using multiple statistical analyses. The results demonstrated significant seasonal dynamics with greater richness and relative abundance of ARGs observed during the dry season compared to the wet season. ARG profiles exhibited a pronounced distance-decay pattern in the dry season, whereas no such pattern was evident in the wet season. Null model analysis indicated that deterministic processes, in contrast to stochastic processes, had a significant impact on shaping the ARG profiles. Furthermore, it was found that Firmicutes and pH emerged as the foremost factors influencing these profiles. This study enhanced our comprehension of the variations in ARG profiles within canal networks, which may contribute to the design of efficient management approaches aimed at restraining the propagation of ARGs.

New approach for the rehabilitation of irrigation canals based on implementation priority

This study presents a novel method for selecting irrigation canals for rehabilitation based on implementation priorities. The method integrates factors such as canal condition, water demand, environmental considerations, and socioeconomic aspects to identify canals that require immediate attention. The study outlines a step-by-step process and discusses its potential benefits in guiding decision-making for effective canal rehabilitation programs. The methodology explores beneficiaries' satisfaction with their canal performance and applies the “project execution priority index” concept to the network of understudy irrigation canals. Results show that only one of the 11 canals with the highest priority was rehabilitated, while five were executed despite being included in the second priority. Three canals were implemented, and these canals deserve the third priority, indicating the success of the “Project Execution Priority Index” concept in prioritizing field implementation processes. This approach can guide decision-making for effective canal rehabilitation programs and improve the current situation.

To examine the impact of canal irrigation systems on agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Sikh-ruled Punjab.

An examination of the effect that canal irrigation systems have had on agricultural output and rural life in Punjab, which is dominated by the Sikhs, finds that these systems have had a transformational influence on the socio-economic landscape of the province. During the time when the Sikhs were in power, and notably during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, large canal networks were constructed. These networks considerably increased agricultural production and contributed to the expansion of the economy. Through the provision of a consistent water supply, these irrigation systems made it possible to cultivate crops throughout the whole year, which resulted in increased agricultural yields and variety. The installation of canal irrigation systems in Punjab resulted in significant alterations to the region's socioeconomic landscape. As a result of increased agricultural productivity, not only was food security assured, but excess produce was also made available for commerce, which contributed to the improvement of regional economy. Economic activities and the creation of revenue for rural populations were further strengthened as a result of the availability of water for irrigation, which encouraged the growing of cash crops like as cotton and sugarcane. The canal networks were crucial in the transformation of rural life by being responsible for the creation of job possibilities in agriculture and other related industries. Enhanced agricultural output led to an increase in population growth in canal-irrigated regions, which in turn led to the establishment of new communities and the construction of new infrastructure. This demographic transition also made it easier for market towns and trade centres to come into existence, which in turn assisted in the development of commercial activity and regional integration. During the time when the Sikhs ruled Punjab, the building of canal irrigation systems had a complex influence, including the enhancement of agricultural output, the stimulation of economic expansion, and the transformation of rural life circumstances. These improvements created the groundwork for the agricultural success and economic resilience that Punjab would experience in the decades that followed from that point on.

Performance assessment of existing canal-blocking in restoration management of peatland conservation

The aim of this research is to assess existing results of the canal-blocking peatland conservation due to the classification of 5 canal-blocking types on peatland conservation as the management of restoration in the peatland area of Block-C ex-PLG. The low water levels (>40 cm from the surface) during the dry season make dry peatlands susceptible to fires. The back wetting of peatland is the early effort in preventing the peatland fire, which can be carried out on a wide scale by exploiting the available canal network through the overall and integrated canal blocking in unity of peatland hydraulics. The canal blocking due to the five types of canal blocking classification, which is intended to back the discussion of peatland, can give the ecology and society economic impacts that include supporting the natural vegetation recovery, preparation of water supply along season on the peatland hydrologic unity, and to be preventing drought and also the fire that are often happened in the dry season. Land use is suggested based on customization: agriculture and plantation in designated areas, adaptive vegetation in limited plantation zones, and protected areas restored to serve as safeguarded vegetation zones.