Assessing morphological changes in a human-impacted alluvial system using hydro-sediment modeling and remote sensing

Construction of managed aquifer recharge structures (MARS) to store floodwater is a common strategy for storing depleted groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid regions, as part integrated water management (IWRM). MARS divert surface groundwater, but this can affect downstream fluvial processes. The impact on processes was investigated study by combining remote sensing techniques with hydro-sediment modeling the case Kaboutar-Ali-Chay aquifer, northwestern Iran. dynamics assessed, sedimentation across modeled using 2D hydrodynamic model, morphological changes were quantified human-impacted alluvial fan Landsat time series data statistical methods. Changes detected comparing periods before (1985–1996) after (1997–2018) construction. results showed that rate depletion decreased from 2.14 m/yr 0.86 Hydro-sediment revealed ponds slowed outflow, resulting severe decrease sediment load which lead change deposition erosion fan. Morphometric analyses decreasing area indicated significant differences (p < 0.01) between pre- post-impact different morphometric parameters analyzed. changed −0.228 −0.115 km2/year periods.