Optimization of Hydraulic Parameters of Iranshahr Alluvial Aquifer

Abstract

Problem statement: The Iranshahr aquifer consists of an unconfined layer. We simulated groundwater flow of the Iranshahr aquifer in a conceptual model. This model is a suitable tool for management of groundwater system and would also be effective when applied in other countries. Approach: In this study, we constructed the conceptual model of Iranshahr aquifer, which is important and applicable in environmental studies. We used the automatic parameter estimation method and hydraulic head observation through calibration in order to identify the best parameter values. During the calibration, the optimized values of the parameters obtained. 24 parameters estimated by means of regression and the rest remaining unestimated parameters optimized using the trial-and-error method. Results: The results of the model show a good fit between observation and simulated values. Automated calibration procedure estimated the hydraulic parameters of the aquifer. Conclusion: The optimized values and the zonation of the hydraulic parameters of the aquifer showed the best areas for developing and extracting groundwater from the aquifer taking the optimized hydraulics values into account.