Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Investigating the effects of climate change on the status of groundwater resources in northern Khuzestan. Comprehensive analysis of hydrological and climatic data.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
sara baninaeimeh 1
daruosh baharlooee 2
1 Ph.D. student of Hydrology and Meteorology, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran
2 PhD in Water Resources Engineering, Innovation Management, Technology Development and Applied Research, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2025.497254.2351
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of climate change on the status of groundwater resources in northern Khuzestan. The northern Khuzestan region is one of the sensitive regions of Iran, which faces serious challenges in water resource management due to climate change and reduced rainfall. The aim of this study is to analyze changes in temperature, rainfall, and evapotranspiration in different periods and their impact on groundwater resources. To conduct this study, regional climate data and statistical analyses were used. Groundwater data from wells in this region were also collected and analyzed over the past few decades. The results of the study show that reduced rainfall, increased temperature, and increased evapotranspiration are among the most important factors that have caused the decline in groundwater levels. On the other hand, changes in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of droughts have also severely affected the status of groundwater resources. As a result, this study shows that if climate change continues, the northern Khuzestan region will face a significant reduction in groundwater resources, which will have a major impact on the supply of water for agricultural and drinking purposes. This article presents solutions for optimal management of water resources and adaptation to new climate conditions.
Keywords
Climate change
groundwater
northern Khuzestan
MODFLOW model
evapotranspiration
Subjects
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Geography and Human Relationships
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
Winter 2026
Pages 879-889

  • Receive Date 04 January 2025
  • Revise Date 20 January 2025
  • Accept Date 10 March 2025