Numerical simulation of Namdan aquifer in the Fars province of Iran: Assessment of green water management impacts on the aquifer restoration

Population growth and economic developing programs have increased the pressures on water resources and faced the serious challenges in the balance of surface water and especially groundwater systems. In recent years, this has led to the consideration of green water as one of fresh water sources while various acts have taken for its scientific and practical management. Green water management acts affect both surface water and groundwater resources and can be effective in aquifer restoration plans. In this research, the effects of these acts in the study area of Namdan located in the Tashk- Bakhtegan basin in Fars province of Iran have been evaluated using MODFLOW model. After MODFLOW model development, it was calibrated for seven years (2006-2013) and validated for three years (2013-2016) periods in both steady and unsteady conditions. Then, the effects of mulch, stone lines, terraces and contour acts on the balance and the water level of the aquifer were investigated. The results showed that the mulch with the average of an annual increase of 4.2% in storage and terrace with an increase of 4% of stored water in the aquifer have had the greatest impact on the aquifer, which can be suitable acts for the aquifer restoration under plans such as aquifer restoration plan of Iran but they are not enough to cover the restoration objectives.