The Spatial Impact of Socio-Economic Structure of Rural Areas on Groundwater Resources Drawdown (Case Study: Rural Settlements of Lordegan)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

3 Professor, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

As the most essential element of life, water has long been regarded as an indicator of development because it is inextricably linked to the sustainability of human societies, especially the socio-economic function of rural settlements. The main purpose of this study is to explain and root out the causes of groundwater resource draw-down in relation to the socio-economic structure of rural areas. The main issue is that as population growth and demand have increased (to meet the needs of rural communities), excessive exploitation and pressure on groundwater resources have been on the rise. The research data were collected through document analysis and field study. Next, the longitudinal statistics of 40 observational wells (1984-2014) were combined with quantitative observations and interviews with subject matter experts. These were then analyzed through descriptive-analytical methods using inferential statistics and GIS software. Research findings show that the implementation of land reform program, the increase of number of farmers, deep well drilling, the development of irrigated area, and the change of production method had a relationship with unnecessary exploitation and draw-dawn in groundwater level in the research area. The result of the study illustrates the fact that as the population has increased threefold in the living space of the plains, the farms have been fragmented, and numerous deep wells have been drilled, the groundwater level in the aquifer has drawdown to -22 m.

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References

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Town and Country Planning
Volume 11, Issue 2
Autumn & Winter
October 2019
Pages 337-360

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 August 2019
  • Revise Date: 16 October 2019
  • Accept Date: 16 October 2019

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