Why is groundwater important? Why should we not overuse groundwater? Is land subsidence in the plains related to the drilling of unauthorized wells in the plains? What is the solution?
Abstract In recent year, population growth and increasing the groundwater withdrawal is caused water level falling. these excessive withdrawal of groundwater resources is created subsidence phenomenon in Fars province especially in Marvdasht plain that has led to significant damages to farmlands, residential buildings, roads, transmission lines, Monuments and also changed the quality of ground water resources, increase Salinization of water, depletion of underground aquifers (the second largest fresh water source in the world), creating fissures and sinkholes. In this paper, at the first, the areas that suffered the most damage in the last few years have been identified and evaluated by field observation. Then the drought period and the annual drop rates in water level are determined by using the data of changes status in rainfall and underground water level. Following, geological maps and data of drilling logs in Marvdasht plain have been studied in order to determine the soil layering and specifications of soil and requirement tests conducted for calculations the land subsidence that is caused by water level falling. With considering obtained information from water status and soil parameters, subsidence zoning map is provided for Marvdasht plain. Different rates of subsidence in various part of Marvdasht plain and its damages to villages area are shown the critical statues of water level falling and more damages in the many plains of Fars province. Finally, with respect to situation of Marvdasht plain appropriate solution is presented to control and stop the damages that caused by subsidence phenomenon and excessive exploitation of groundwater.
Dragan Ugrinov added a reply
15 hours ago
Abbas Kashani
The phenomenon of groundwater depletion and land subsidence, particularly in the Marvdasht plain, represents a serious ecological and infrastructural problem resulting from unsustainable groundwater extraction. Excessive and uncontrolled use of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and water supply purposes leads to the depletion of aquifers, which not only causes a drop in groundwater levels but also leads to physical changes in the structure of the soil.
1. Ecological and Economic Impacts
Groundwater is a crucial source of fresh water, and its over-exploitation can have long-term consequences for both ecosystems and human activities. In the case of the Marvdasht plain, the drop in groundwater levels leads to land subsidence, which threatens agricultural production, destroys infrastructure, reduces groundwater quality, and increases water salinization. This phenomenon impacts not only agricultural lands but also aquifers, which are the second-largest source of fresh water in the world, making the issue even more severe from an ecological standpoint.
2. The Link Between Subsidence and Unauthorized Drilling
Land subsidence in the Marvdasht plain is largely associated with unauthorized well drilling, which leads to improper groundwater extraction. This practice is often a result of a lack of adequate regulations and control by authorities, which leads to excessive water withdrawal from aquifers. In this context, regulating well drilling and implementing strict monitoring of groundwater extraction are crucial for preventing further damage.
3. Solutions and Strategies
Addressing this issue requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates ecology, policy, and technology. First, stricter laws and regulations regarding well drilling must be enacted, along with more efficient monitoring of groundwater levels. Given the specificity and severity of the problem, it is important to implement long-term protective measures, such as:
- Introducing a sustainable groundwater extraction system, which would include precise control over groundwater use and stricter penalties for illegal activities.
- Utilizing alternative water sources, such as wastewater reuse or desalination, to reduce dependence on groundwater.
- Rehabilitating ecosystems through the restoration of water resources and the reconstruction of damaged land.
4. Subsidence Zoning
Although the creation of a land subsidence zoning map is vital for assessing the damage, it only provides a temporary framework for analysis. Continuous monitoring of both the soil and groundwater is necessary to identify changes in a timely manner and adjust protective measures. Given the severity of the problem, this map must be the foundation for a long-term strategy involving all relevant sectors (agriculture, water management, urban planning, and ecological agencies).
The phenomenon of land subsidence caused by the excessive use of groundwater in the Marvdasht plain highlights a serious issue that requires urgent and comprehensive action. In addition to technological solutions, effective resource management, regulation, and education are key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources, protecting land and infrastructure, and preserving the environment.
1. Importance of Groundwater:
Essential for drinking water, agriculture, and industry.
Supports ecosystems and maintains river base flows.
Acts as a natural freshwater reservoir during droughts.
2. Why We Should Not Overuse It:
Depletes water reserves, leading to water scarcity.
Lowers water tables, increasing pumping costs.
Reduces surface water flow, harming ecosystems.
3. Land Subsidence & Unauthorized Wells:
Over-extraction causes soil compaction, leading to land subsidence.
Excessive drilling disrupts underground aquifers.
Common in plains where groundwater is heavily exploited.
Good day. Excellent. Accurate statements. Scientifically well-founded.
1, why ground water is important ? ground water have a significant role for human, crop and the existed environment. From the perspective of cleanses it has crucial to use for household purpose in human affordability and free from any pollutant and no need to treat it like other contaminated waste water. it is also significant for supplement irrigation system particularly low rain feed area.
2, why should not overuse ground water ?
form the perspective of resources sustainability it is important to use the existed ground water in appropriate way. and also we have an issue of ecosystem degradation, clean water form the perspective pollution and which lead us food insecurity and water quality issue.
3, Is land subsidence in the plains related to the drilling of unauthorized wells in?
surely, because currently many wells are drilling without any authorization and this is exposed the land destruction change the structure of land and its resources. on the other hand unauthorized well leads to aquifer compaction, underground mining and organic drainage contributes to land subsidence.
It is important because it is clean water that can be used for irrigation and drinking. Groundwater reserves are limited, so we cannot use them excessively. Additionally, for plant irrigation, it has a negative effect. The subsidence of lands in the plains is associated with drilling unauthorized wells.
Groundwater is crucial for human consumption, agriculture, and ecosystems, but overuse leads to depletion, subsidence, and environmental damage. To mitigate these issues, sustainable management practices, such as regulated drilling and water conservation, are essential to prevent excessive groundwater extraction.
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