Satellite-Based Analysis of Maharlou Lake's Surface Area Trends and Influencing Factors

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Irrigation and Drainage, Department of Water Engineering, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Water Engineering, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

10.22092/wmrj.2023.363213.1549

Abstract

Introduction and Goal
Maharlou Lake in Fars Province is one of the saline lakes of Iran, located 10 kilometers southeast of Shiraz. It holds significant economic, social, and environmental importance for the region. Therefore, assessing the long-term changes in the lake's surface area is crucial for making informed decisions by managers. In this context, the present study investigates the temporal changes in the water surface area of Maharlou Lake.
Materials and Methods
The study area was the Maharlou Watershed. The lake's surface area was determined for each satellite image using Landsat data over the period from 1986 to 2020. Then, the trend in the lake’s surface area changes during this period was analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test. Additionally, factors influencing the lake's surface area changes, such as precipitation changes, inflow to the lake, groundwater level, population, and vegetation cover area within the watershed, were evaluated during this period.
Results and Discussion
The results of this study showed that the trend in the surface area of Maharlou Lake during the study period was significant and decreasing (3km²/year). The change point in the time series occurred in September 2007, after which a sharp decline in the lake’s surface area was observed. Furthermore, the results of the precipitation analysis indicated that the trend in precipitation was negative but not significant. However, the trends in the inflow to the lake and evaporation were both negative and significant. The trends in population growth and vegetation cover were found to be increasing and significant. Additionally, the study's findings showed that the groundwater level trend in this area was negative and significant.
Conclusion and Suggestions
The results of this study indicated that the surface area of Maharlou Lake has significantly decreased. The analysis of the factors affecting the lake’s surface area showed no significant trend in the precipitation within the watershed, which is one of the primary contributors to the inflow to the lake. Although the trend in precipitation was not significant and the evaporation trend was also decreasing, the increasing trends in population and vegetation cover within the watershed inevitably demand more water in this region. This situation has led to excessive extraction from groundwater resources and surface flows. Consequently, the trends in groundwater levels and inflow to the lake were both decreasing and significant. Moreover, the interplay of these factors has resulted in a negative trend in the lake's surface area. Therefore, given the importance of Maharlou Lake within the watershed and to prevent further reductions in the lake's surface area, managers must pay close attention to implementing sustainable land management plans.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Watershed Management Research
Volume 37, Issue 3 - Serial Number 144
September 2024
Pages 19-34

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 August 2023
  • Revise Date: 25 September 2023
  • Accept Date: 21 December 2023

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