Author(s): R. Jalalirad; S. Feiznia; H. Abbasian; L. Talebi; Sh. Farzinpak; P. Javadi; A. Milani
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Watershed Analysis; GIS; RS; Water-Soil Quality; BMPs; Land use Changes; Water withdrawal; Decision Making
Abstract: Determination of problems in a drainage basin and identification of its potentials are main objectives in obtaining solutions and defining strategic projects. The concept of analysis and management of watersheds were used in a small scale watershed which is Arad sub-basin with the area of 100km2, located in south of Tehran, ungaged watershed, has weak rangelands and low population of animals such as reptiles, birds, and mammals. The characteristics of the watersheds was obtained and analyzed using RS and GIS techniques, and they were integrated and synthesized such that the mutual effects of different disciplines such as drainage basin processes and social factors could be reached and an inclusive plan could be determined for the watershed. The studied plan consisted of ETM+ image interpretation, soil classification according to USDA and WRB methods, simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of surface and ground water, determination of concentration of four main anions (CO32-, Cl-, HCO3-, and SO42-) and two main cations (Mg3+, Na+), determination of pH, EC, TDS, and SAR parameters, and measurement of discharges of drainages and wells. Then the vegetation cover and land use types were classified and checked by field work. Sociological studies were performed by field studies, completion of questionnaires and interviewing people and local organizations to identify the sociological problems for reaching further contributions of people. Based on these studies, management plan of the drainage basin was developed based on decision making on a local scale. The execution of management plan requires further participations of people. The results have shown that the main challenges of Arad watershed are lowing of subsurface of groundwater table and degradation of soil and water qualities due to excess water withdrawal, change of land uses and socio-economic problems. After execution of management solutions, biomechanical methods and BMPs, considering environmental issues, long-term and invaluable strategies of sustainable development can be reached.
Year: 2009