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The modeled area design with locations of the observation wells (cross points) and Lesser Zab River (blue line).
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Context 1
... and minimum thickness of the model was 650 m, 50 m, respectively. The geometry of the area was defined by using a map with UTM coordinates (Figure 4). The surface layer was imported from the digital elevation data of SRTM 30. ...
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Citations
... It may explore factors influencing groundwater movement and assess the sustainability of groundwater resources. Seeyan [23]This research may specifically focus on the Qushtapa Plain unconfined aquifer in the Southern Erbil Basin. The study likely involves groundwater flow modeling to understand aquifer behavior and assess the potential impacts on water resources. ...
This study addresses the pressing issues of groundwater depletion and drought problems in the Erbil basin, a vital resource region in the Middle East. Focused on an area of strategic importance due to its large size and critical water resources, the study employs the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) software to create a detailed 3D hydrogeological model based on extensive borehole data. With over 240 boreholes analyzed, the study strategically selects 70 accurate wells drilled by the Groundwater Directorate. The construction of the 3D stratigraphic models for the Erbil basin relies on three main historical data including boreholes, geological formations and a comprehensive approach, incorporating deep well logging data and the definition of distinct geological layers. By discerning the presence of previous and impervious layers, the model effectively categorizes the aquifer types within the Erbil basin. The aquifer system is delineated based on stratigraphic units, designating materials with high conductivity (silt, sand, and gravel) as aquifers and clay (or claystone) as aquitards. A 3D steady-state groundwater flow model is successfully executed, employing PEST pilot point for automated parameter estimation. The model, validated with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9998, reveals hydraulic conductivity values ranging from 0.000980705 to 100 m/day and a recharge value of 0.000976443 m/day. The study classifies Erbil's aquifer types as unconfined, confined, and semi-confined, providing a valuable foundation for groundwater management. The primary objective of this study is to construct a calibrated numerical groundwater model for the multi-aquifer system in the Erbil basin. The model aims to serve as a robust tool for analyzing the sustainability of diverse groundwater infrastructure development strategies within the region. The Erbil basin poses unique challenges for groundwater modeling, marked by a scarcity of critical data such as monitoring well information, pumping rates, recharge rates, and flow budgets. In response to these limitations, the study adopts an innovative approach by integrating in situ data with earth observation data. The integration of these datasets seeks to overcome data constraints and enhance the accuracy of the groundwater model. By achieving calibration and validation of the numerical model, this research strives to provide a valuable resource for decision-makers, planners, and stakeholders involved in groundwater management in the Erbil basin. Ultimately, the study aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and effective strategies for the utilization and preservation of groundwater resources in this vital region and also to enhance practical management strategies for the Erbil groundwater basin, ensuring sustainable utilization of the crucial sub-surface water resources, an objective successfully achieved through this research.
... On Towards sustainable management of Erbil groundwater basin which is arid and semi-arid area, also another study of [10] which is on Estimating Groundwater Balance in Erbil basin and determine the effect of the climate change on the area. after that [11] did the study on the Sustainability of Aquifer system and determine the Ground Water Condition in Erbil Basin, then the study of [12] Groundwater Flow Modeling for Qushtepa Plain in Southern part of Erbil Basin. Lately [13] studied on the Assessment of groundwater sustainability and management in Erbil city. ...
Erbil Basin is selected as study area, which is located in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, several production wells have been selected for monthly monitoring of groundwater levels. The continuous depletion of groundwater levels has been recorded due to uncontrolled exploitation from both legal and illegal wells, that poses a major problem in the selected basin. The area is classified as arid and semi-arid regions. Accurate prediction of groundwater table maps is required to development the groundwater management strategies for the aquifer system of the study area. Depth to groundwater has been measured for (55) wells that distributed within the Northern, Central, and Southern sub-basins of Erbil. As well as, groundwater levels are mapped and compared the studied data that observed in field with previous recorded data of the same that has been taken by the Directorate of Erbil Groundwater. The methodology of this study is involved mapping groundwater tables for the two different years for the wells, which is observed data in (2022) with surveying wells coordinates as field observations, and compare with data of groundwater tables in (2004) that archived by groundwater directorate. This study employs high-accuracy surveying techniques for the selected wells and utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) as a successful tool for mapping groundwater levels using both Kriging and IDW interpolation methods. The results are indicated successfully that groundwater tables have sudden drawdown during these (18) years by about (-46.86) m. This large drawdown refers to drilling the cluster of uncontrolled wells within Erbil basin without planning. Finally, the study concludes that Erbil basin required better planning and management of Aquifer system, and required to install a set of observation (or piezometer) to monitoring groundwater levels without using production wells because it gives an accurate data, and the fluctuation of the groundwater need to be connected with high accuracy sensor inside observation wells. The study is limited due to the absence of observation wells within Erbil basin. The main aim of this study is to present the existing problems in the study area, it also focusses on the required solutions for development of the groundwater resources and keep the sustainability of this vital resources.
... The partial and/or total removal of some of the existing previously constructed protective dikes, " Figure 6" and the backfilling of and/or blockage of some existing drainage channels (Figure 9(a)), which were constructed during the last century to control the rainwater (northeast of Erbil city) have played a significant role in increasing the destructive power of the rainwater during the flush floods that had happened on 30 October and 17 December 2021. Therefore, it is very important to assess the management of water resources [15]. ...
Erbil city is constructed in a flat plain with moderate gradient increasing northwards, the plain is dissected by tens of ephemeral wadis. The maximum elevation in the high lands NE of Erbil city is 1062 m (a.s.l.), whereas the elevation of the center of Erbil city is 420 m (a.s.l.). The average gradient from the highest part to the center of the city is 2.15%, increasing towards northeast to reach 4.79%. The mean annual rainfall is 365 mm, while the average monthly rainfall is about 24.42 mm. The site of the city is mainly covered by alluvial fan sediments. Towards northeast, however, the exposures of the Bia Hassan Formation, which consists of alternation of conglomerate and clays-tone cover considerable areas (82 km 2) and form the high lands NE of Erbil city. The exposed rocks are thick claystone alternating with coarse conglome-rate. Two very heavy torrential rain events have caused flash floods in Erbil city on 30th October and 17th December 2021. The rainfall intensities were 52 mm/day and 60 mm/day, respectively, causing destructive floods. The most affected areas were Zirin (north of Erbil) and Dara Too (northeast of Erbil), respectively, with very heavy property damages and tens of fatalities. The main reasons for the floods were the partially constructed embankments of the 150 m ring-road, and the urban development within large and wide drainage basins. Different climate data were used for the purpose of this article, with field checks.
... The partial and/or total removal of some of the existing previously constructed protective dikes, " Figure 6" and the backfilling of and/or blockage of some existing drainage channels (Figure 9(a)), which were constructed during the last century to control the rainwater (northeast of Erbil city) have played a significant role in increasing the destructive power of the rainwater during the flush floods that had happened on 30 October and 17 December 2021. Therefore, it is very important to assess the management of water resources [15]. ...
Water Resources management in Erbil basin
This study presents the development of a comprehensive three-dimensional groundwater flow
model for the Erbil Basin utilizing the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS). The Erbil Basin, situated in
the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is a vital water resource area facing increasing water demands and environmental challenges. The three-dimensional nature of the groundwater flow system is crucial for accurately
understanding and managing water resources in the basin. The modeling process involved data collection,
geological and hydrogeological characterization, conceptual model development, and numerical simulation
using GMS software MODFLOW 2000 package. Various parameters such as hydraulic conductivity,
recharge rates, and boundary conditions were integrated into the model to represent the complex hydrogeological conditions of the basin. Model calibration was performed by comparing simulated groundwater
levels with observed data from monitoring wells across the basin, using the automatic calibration method of
automated Parameter Estimation (PEST). Pilot points were applied to adjust the hydraulic conductivity in
the model area spatially. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters on
model predictions and to identify areas of uncertainty. The developed three-dimensional groundwater flow
model provides valuable insights into the dynamics of groundwater flow, recharge-discharge mechanisms,
and potential impacts of future scenarios such as climate change and water resource management strategies.
It serves as a useful tool for decision-makers, water resource managers, and researchers to evaluate different management scenarios and formulate sustainable groundwater management policies for the Erbil Basin.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of using GMS for developing three-dimensional
groundwater flow models in complex hydrogeological settings like the Erbil Basin, contributing to
improved understanding and management of groundwater resources in the region.
The identification and delineation of recharge zones are critical components in sustainable groundwater management. This study focuses on determining the recharge zones within the Erbil Basin, employing a combination of field investigations, hydrogeological assessments, and geospatial analyses using Groundwater Modeling system (GMS) software with the aid of Geographic information System (GIS). The study uses the historical and field observed geological formations data to evaluate the 3D visualization of unconfined, confined and semi-confined aquifer types within Erbil Basin in order to determine the Recharge area. The aim is to provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution and characteristics of areas where groundwater recharge predominantly occurs. The outcomes of this research contribute to a comprehensive understanding of recharge dynamics in the Erbil Basin. The delineation of recharge zones provides essential information for sustainable groundwater management, aiding in the development of effective land use planning and conservation strategies. The results of this study reveal a decline in groundwater levels within the Erbil basin over the period from 2004 to 2023. were 86.2 meters in the Kasnazan well and 125.86 meters in the Mala Omer well, both located within recharge zones of the Erbil groundwater basin. The findings will be valuable for local authorities, policymakers, and water resource managers, offering a basis for informed decision-making to ensure the long-term viability of groundwater resources in the Erbil Basin. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating multidisciplinary approaches to accurately identify and protect the crucial zones responsible for replenishing the groundwater system.
