Simulation of Karun River Sedimentation using GSTARS 2.0 (A reach between Ahwaz and Farsiat hydrometric stations)

The Karun River has very complex problems related to sediments such as formation of big islands, banks failure, huge sediment deposition and reduction of flow velocity and hydraulic capacity. For Karun River training and restoration, many projects and engineering works have been considered to be designed and constructed including levee construction and river dredging. For evaluating of these complex schemes and their interactions, sedimentation studies have to be carried out in this river reach. Mathematical modeling of erosion and deposition of sediments in Karun River from Ahwaz hydraulic station to Farsiat station, a distance of approximately 50 km, has been studied using GSTARS 2.0 model. GSTARS mathematical model using stream tubes concept, has an ability to account for the longitudinal and lateral distribution of sediment deposition in the rivers. For hydraulic and sediment calibration of this mathematical model, historical water surface elevation of flood in 2005 and cross section topography between 1998 and 2005, have been used, respectively. Calibration results showed that Ackers-White (1974) and Toffaleti (1969) sediment transport equations had good agreement with field data.