Watershed Engineering and Management

Watershed sustainability assessment using the HELP approach, case study: Atrak Watershed, Golestan

Omid Asadi Nalivan; Gholamreza Khosravi; Ehsan Alvandi

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 148-169

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.370527.2128

Abstract

Introduction Watersheds, as key units of water resources management, play a fundamental role in supporting ecological processes, regulating the hydrological cycle, providing water, conserving soil, and sustaining the livelihoods of human communities. These natural systems are exposed to increasing pressures ... Read More Introduction Watersheds, as key units of water resources management, play a fundamental role in supporting ecological processes, regulating the hydrological cycle, providing water, conserving soil, and sustaining the livelihoods of human communities. These natural systems are exposed to increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, unsustainable exploitation, agricultural and industrial development, and land use changes. In such circumstances, the concept of watershed sustainability as the system's capacity to maintain optimal performance of ecological processes and environmental services in the long term has gained special importance. In addition to providing early warnings of environmental degradation, assessing the health and sustainability of watersheds can also identify the causes of existing problems. The Watershed Sustainability Index is one of the valid indicators that quantify the status of watershed sustainability. This index, due to its high flexibility and usability at different scales, is known as a suitable tool for planning and decision-making in sustainable watershed management. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of assessing the sustainability of the Atrak River watershed and providing a comprehensive picture of its functional status and ecological sustainability. The strengths of the article include the breadth and comprehensiveness of the indicators used (four key dimensions of sustainability), the 10-year study period, which increases the validity of the results, and the spatial assessment of watersheds and prioritization of actions, which allows for targeted policymaking. Materials and methods The Atrak River watershed with an area of 819,000 hectares is located in Golestan Province. The watershed sustainability index, developed by developing the UNESCO-HELP model and using the PSR (pressure-state-response) causal model, is one of the few indicators designed specifically for watersheds, which evaluates the sustainability of the watershed in question numerically and using a formula in the form of four sub-indices of hydrology (qualitative and quantitative), environment, life (livelihood conditions and human development), and policy. In this method, taking into account the available information and data (10-year period), the values of the parameters in the three components of pressure, status, and response were collected to examine each of the sub-indices and converted into quantitative form in the scoring range from zero to one and in five categories (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1). The indicators receive a score of one in the best condition and a score of zero in the worst condition. The final WSI value was classified into three categories of low, medium, and high through the arithmetic mean of the sub-indices. Results and discussion The results of the hydrology section showed that in all sub-watersheds, per capita available water decreased during the 10-year study period. Also, the three sub-watersheds of Chat, Dashli Borun, and Gomishan are in the weak category in terms of the pressure component, and only Maraveh Tapeh is in the medium category. This condition is also true for the status and response component. According to the results, the TDS level has increased in all sub-watersheds. The results indicate a critical situation in the water quality sector of the watershed. In general, the average results of the hydrological index varied between zero and 0.25. The environmental index showed that the trend of increasing agricultural land is visible in all four sub-watersheds. The highest increase in agricultural land occurred in the Chat sub-watershed and the lowest in the Gomishan sub-watershed. Also, the highest increase in population occurred in the Chat sub-watershed, which confirms the results of the increase in agricultural land. The results indicate a very bad situation of the EPI index in the two sub-watersheds of Maraveh Tapeh and Chat, and Dashli Borun is in the next rank, and the Gomishan sub-watershed has the best situation in this index. According to the final score results, the situation of Gomishan is better than other sub-watersheds in the environmental sector. In general, the average results of the environmental index varied between 0.33 and 0.5. The results of the life index showed that the status of this index in all sub-watersheds was average to high. In general, the average life index results varied between 0.75 and 0.83. The results of the Policy Index showed that based on the average scores, the status of this index in all sub-watersheds was poor. In general, the average Policy Index results for all sub-watersheds were 0.58. The final values of the WSI index showed that all sub-watersheds have a poor status in terms of sustainability in all four main indicators. According to the average scores (0.448), the Atrak watershed is in the low category in terms of sustainability. Conclusions Considering the results obtained and the low level of sustainability of the Atrak River watershed, it is necessary to take immediate and planned measures to improve the sustainability status. The most important management and applicable suggestions in the watershed include the following. Integrated water resources management, which will increase the efficiency of water use in the agricultural sector by using modern irrigation methods and consumption management in the drinking and industrial sectors. Improving the quality of water resources, including controlling and reducing the input of pollutants into surface and groundwater sources, can be done through the development of urban and rural wastewater treatment systems. Protecting and restoring natural vegetation by implementing projects to restore degraded rangelands and developing protected areas, which play a fundamental role in improving the sustainability status of the watershed. Strengthening environmental governance and policymaking and establishing coordination between organizations responsible for water, agriculture, and the environment to implement integrated watershed management are other important strategies for improving the sustainability of the Atrak watershed.

Laboratory study of the impact of changing sea wave behavior on scour depth at coastal protection structures

Mohammad Rostami; Akbar Kiasalari; Mohammad Reza Gharibreza

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 170-184

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2025.369745.2116

Abstract

Introduction The construction of various structures for coastal protection is one of the strategies for dissipating wave energy in coastal areas. Permeable and floating protective structures are among the new coastal protection designs proposed to address the shortcomings of previous structures. In ... Read More Introduction The construction of various structures for coastal protection is one of the strategies for dissipating wave energy in coastal areas. Permeable and floating protective structures are among the new coastal protection designs proposed to address the shortcomings of previous structures. In the design and construction of such structures, piles and pipes are used as their foundations. Evaluating the pattern and extent of erosion around piles caused by wave interaction is essential for designing such structures. Therefore, in addition to structural design, hydrodynamic loading on the coastal protection structure and its foundation due to wave impact must be considered as a key criterion for foundation design in shallow waters. In coastal areas, waves undergo various processes such as wave refraction, wave shoaling, and wave breaking, which result from nonlinear interactions with the seabed. Moreover, energy transfer between different wave frequency components during the breaking process is highly nonlinear. Understanding the hydrodynamics involved is considerably more complex compared to breaking waves in deep waters. This complexity becomes particularly significant when wave breaking occurs exactly at the pile foundation, as the stability of permeable coastal structures depends on the stability of their foundations against erosion caused by marine currents. Materials and methods To evaluate the scour depth around cylindrical piles of coastal protection structures under impact pressure caused by wave breaking, an experimental study was designed. The experiment aimed to analyze how variations in wave characteristics such as wave height and period affect the research objectives. It is important to note that this study focused on breaking waves impacting the structure. The experiments were conducted in a two-dimensional wave channel at the Coastal Engineering Laboratory of the Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute. To create shallow water conditions and ensure wave breaking at the pile location, as well as to assess the resulting scour depth, a sloped surface and sediment reservoir were constructed in the central part of the main channel. The sediment reservoir, with a depth of 0.35 meters, was installed upstream of the sloped surface and filled with sand sediments. A cylindrical pile was placed at the center of the sediment reservoir. The wave channel was filled with water to a depth of 0.4 to 0.5 meters, and waves with varying heights and periods were generated using a wave paddle system. Trial and error was used to determine the exact location of wave breaking in relation to the pile. A total of 34 experiments were conducted under initial water depths ranging from 0.4 to 0.5 meters. Wave heights ranged from 0.05 to 0.14 meters, with wave periods between 2 to 7 seconds. After each experiment, the scour depth at the pile location was measured. Results and discussion In this study, wave characteristics, including wave height, breaking wave velocity, wavelength at the breaking point, breaker crest distance from the structure, and water depth at the breaking zone, as well as the maximum scour depth (S), were measured. Based on the measured values, the Keulegan–Carpenter number (KC) and the S/D ratio were determined. The results showed that as the KC number increases, the S/D ratio and scour depth also increase. Specifically, with increasing KC, the length of lateral vortices along the sides and behind the base of the cylindrical structure extends, exposing a larger portion of the seabed to scour and erosion. A regression analysis was established between these parameters, and the findings were compared with previous studies. A comparison of 34 experiments in the present study with the results of Sumer et al. (1992) indicated that the scour depth under wave-breaking conditions near the coastal protection structure was approximately 1.14 to 8.46 times greater than the scour depth caused by regular waves passing through the structure’s vicinity. On average, the scour depth due to wave breaking at the pile location was 2.4 times greater than that under normal wave conditions (Sumer et al., 1992). Additionally, comparing the results of this study with Dogan (2021) revealed that the scour depth under wave-breaking conditions near the coastal protection structure was approximately 1.31 to 2.85 times greater than the scour depth caused by regular waves. On average, the scour depth due to wave breaking at the pile location was 2.03 times greater than under normal wave conditions (Dogan, 2021). Conclusions In general, when coastal currents interact with waves, if the waves do not break, the depth of scour decreases. However, if the wave in question propagates in the direction of the coastal current and breaks, the increased turbulence and resulting shear stress near the seabed at the breaking zone lead to an increase in scour depth. If wave breaking occurs at the site of the coastal structure, the extent of erosion and scour will exceed the values reported in previous studies. The results of the present study indicate that wave breaking causes approximately a 2.4-fold increase in scour depth compared to the passage of regular, non-breaking sea waves around a cylindrical pile structure. Therefore, marine structure designers must carefully consider this issue. An inaccurate estimation of the scour depth at the foundation of coastal protection structures based solely on the theory of regular wave passage near a cylindrical pile may lead to incorrect foundation depth calculations, affecting the overall stability of the structure. If the findings of this study are not taken into account, instability conditions could arise for the marine structure, especially when wave breaking occurs near the foundation.

Evaluation of the effect of superabsorbent application on growth of two fruit trees and rainwater harvesting systems

Parviz Abdinejad; Asghar heidari

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 185-202

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.361691.2014

Abstract

Introduction According to the climatic conditions in most areas of Zanjan province, watersheds are faced with inappropriate temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall and seasonal water shortage in spring and summer. The use of water catchment systems and super absorbent materials is one of the proposed ... Read More Introduction According to the climatic conditions in most areas of Zanjan province, watersheds are faced with inappropriate temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall and seasonal water shortage in spring and summer. The use of water catchment systems and super absorbent materials is one of the proposed methods for supplying the water needed by seedlings for the construction of rainfed gardens in sloping lands to prevent erosion in these lands and their proper exploitation.One of the strategies that can increase the efficiency of rainwater harvesting is to assist in the establishment and adaptation of seedlings planted on steep soils, using super absorbent materials at the bottom of these seedlings. The use of these materials increases the tolerance of horticultural crops under drought stress and preserves soil moisture. Therefore, feasibility of establishment of fruit trees and development of these orchards using moisture-absorbing materials seem necessary through the application of intake surface systems. accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of super absorbent materials on diameter growth of two type trees in rain water harvesting systems .in this way, it is possible to study the simultaneous use of super absorbent and super absorbent materials to create dryland orchards in sloping lands. Materials and methods In this study, the effect of application superabsorbent material on growth of rain-fed trees in managed rainwater harvesting systems was investigated and application or non-application of superabsorbent as main treatment, three management treatments including: 1) no change at the level of system, 2) Trench collection and vegetation cover of the system level and 3) Semi-insulated treatment as sub-treatments (in the three repetitions) and Was examined with randomized complete block design two fruit tree including almond and apricot as sub-treatments in a split plot design. During the design, tree growth indices including changes in diameter, height and canopy of seedlings were measured in different treatments of rain water harvesting. Results and discussion Based on the results of chemical analysis of soil samples in the research area, the average electrical conductivity (ds/m) was 0.44, the average soil organic matter was 0.88 percent, lime or neutralizable carbonates was 0.66 percent, potassium was 1.42 (mg/kg), carbonate was 2.22 (mg/kg), and bicarbonate (meq/lit). During the implementation of the project, growth indices including changes in diameter, height, and canopy cover of seedlings were measured over a five-year period. Based on the results obtained, the maximum and minimum diameter growth rates of almond seedlings in the treatments with and without superabsorbent were 1.4 and 0.35 cm and 1.2 and 0.3 cm, respectively, and this rate for apricot seedlings was 1.4 and 0.2 cm, and 0.9 and 0.2 cm, respectively, without superabsorbent. Accordingly, the surface treatment of the catchment surface system with vegetation cover had the lowest amount of diameter growth in almond and apricot seedlings, and the insulated treatment had the highest diameter growth. This situation actually indicates the effect of creating a catchment surface system with different coverage levels in creating different amounts of runoff and, as a result, differences in the diameter growth of the planted seedlings. The existence of significant differences between treatments and blocks in the diameter growth of almond and apricot seedlings compared to the year in the experimental treatments with and without superabsorbent at the one percent level indicates the effectiveness of the operations carried out in each of these treatments. However, the analysis of variance of the factors affecting the diameter growth values of seedlings showed that the presence of superabsorbents did not have a significant effect on their growth. Conclusions Based on the results of this study and other researchers, the significance of the effect of superabsorbent materials on plant growth in the use of superabsorbent materials is not a general and permanent state and depends on the climatic conditions of the region, the type of soil and its texture, the type of plant, and even the topographic conditions and slope of the planting site. Considering the results of this research and the results of others, it can be argued that the effect of super absorbent materials on the growth of each plant or seedling should be investigated and evaluated in the desired area and an opinion should be expressed based on that.

Developing a management model for the implementation of underground dams using the Strauss and Corbin approach

Vahid Payravand; Ali Salajegheh; Mohammad Reza Sayyadi

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 203-222

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371150.2136

Abstract

IntroductionSustainable water resources management in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran is a critical challenge for ensuring food security and environmental protection. While surface dams have traditionally been effective, they face issues such as high evaporation, sedimentation, and ecological ... Read More IntroductionSustainable water resources management in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran is a critical challenge for ensuring food security and environmental protection. While surface dams have traditionally been effective, they face issues such as high evaporation, sedimentation, and ecological impacts, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. Underground dams reduce water loss and preserve water quality, offering significant potential for improving groundwater management. However, their implementation in Iran encounters technical, social, economic, and institutional challenges. This study uses a grounded theory approach to develop a practical management framework for underground dam implementation, aiming to optimize water use while ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of these infrastructures. Materials and methodsThis qualitative study was conducted using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach, involving 14 experts in watershed management and underground dams with at least 15 years of experience, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. Analysis followed open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in 201 open codes, organized into 49 axial codes and 22 main categories. Data validity and reliability were ensured through expert evaluation, coder agreement, and triangulation methods, leading to the development of a final paradigmatic model for managing the implementation of underground dams. Results and discussionThis study aimed to develop a paradigmatic model for the management of underground dam implementation in Iran and to analyze the factors affecting project success, based on Strauss and Corbin’s Grounded Theory approach. To achieve this, 14 experts and executive managers with 15–35 years of experience, including faculty members and senior managers of national natural resource organizations, participated in the study, providing a diverse and robust basis for qualitative analysis. Through open coding, 201 initial concepts were identified, which, after organization into axial and selective codes, led to the extraction of five core components of the paradigmatic model: causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. The causal conditions, including inefficiency of surface dams, threats to livelihoods, and water security risks, acted as the main drivers for adopting underground dams, while contextual conditions such as geological and site characteristics, technical specifications, functional and economic capacities, and local experience created a supportive operational environment for project implementation. Moreover, intervening conditions, including policies, legal frameworks, operational challenges, social participation, and economic justification, played a moderating role affecting the success of strategies and outcomes. Strategy analysis revealed that comprehensive planning, technological development, stakeholder engagement, socio-economic decision-making, training and capacity-building, adoption of innovative technologies, and resource management are critical for achieving underground dam objectives, and coordinated implementation of these strategies enhances management effectiveness, reduces risks, and improves water resource sustainability. Finally, the consequences were identified across five domains: water resource protection and sustainability, economic efficiency and technology acceptance, sustainable agricultural development and water supply, ecological balance and social impacts, and overall project sustainability, demonstrating that simultaneous consideration of causal, contextual, and intervening factors along with coordinated strategies is key to project success. Therefore, the extracted paradigmatic model explains the dynamic interactions among factors and their effects on strategies and outcomes, offering a robust framework for decision-making and policy planning in water resource management in dry and semi-arid regions of Iran, while aligning with international studies and contributing novel insights by integrating technical, managerial, economic, and social dimensions and emphasizing the moderating role of intervening conditions and economic consequences. ConclusionsUnderground dams in Iran can be considered a complementary, context-specific option whose success depends on technical, social, economic, and institutional factors. Inefficiencies of surface dams and threats to water security justify their use, while suitable geological conditions enable implementation. Strategies such as comprehensive planning, technology development, stakeholder engagement, and education can lead to sustainable water management, agricultural development, and economic resilience. This study provides a paradigm model offering a framework for decision-making and management of underground dams, serving as a foundation for future research and water resource planning.

Spatial analysis of meteorological to hydrological drought propagation and the role of environmental basin characteristics in Khorasan Razavi Province

Mohammad Rostami Khalaj; Hamze Noor; Ali Bagheryian Kalat

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 223-236

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371180.2137

Abstract

Introduction Drought propagation, defined as the transfer of moisture deficits from meteorological to hydrological drought, represents a central topic in water resources management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Understanding the spatial patterns of drought propagation and identifying ... Read More Introduction Drought propagation, defined as the transfer of moisture deficits from meteorological to hydrological drought, represents a central topic in water resources management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Understanding the spatial patterns of drought propagation and identifying the controlling factors are essential for designing risk-reduction strategies and achieving sustainable management of aquifers and surface runoff. Considering the sensitivity of catchments to climatic stress in eastern Iran, this study aims to analyze the spatial dynamics of drought propagation and assess the influence of catchment environmental characteristics in Khorasan Razavi Province. Materials and methods This study utilized data from 46 catchments over a 29-year period (April 1988 to September 2016). Meteorological and hydrological droughts were identified using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized streamflow index (SSI), respectively. Drought events were extracted using a threshold of SPI or SSI ≤ –1, and paired events were determined. For each event, the intensity and severity of both meteorological and hydrological droughts were calculated, followed by the derivation of drought propagation ratios and their normalized forms. A set of physiographic and climatic catchment variables-including slope, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation seasonality index (Ps), snow fraction (fₛ), aridity index (Ai), and available water capacity (AWC)—were averaged at the catchment scale and analyzed using Pearson correlation to assess their relationships with drought propagation ratios. Results and discussion Spatial analyses indicated that the mean meteorological drought intensity ranged from 0.23 to 2.17, with an average of approximately 2.1, whereas hydrological drought intensity ranged from 0.14 to 1.16, with a mean of 0.65. The coefficient of variation (CV) was 63% for hydrological drought intensity and 37.7% for meteorological drought, indicating greater spatial variability in hydrological drought. At the catchment level, 54% of the catchments exhibited a reduction in propagation intensity, and 67% showed a decrease in propagation severity. The mean propagation intensity and severity ratios were –0.03 and –0.1, respectively, suggesting a general attenuation of drought effects during the transfer from meteorological to hydrological systems. Significant negative correlations between meteorological drought characteristics and propagation ratios (r = –0.48 for intensity and r = –0.67 for severity) indicate that stronger meteorological drought events tend to experience greater attenuation during propagation; that is, high-intensity meteorological drought does not always translate into equally severe hydrological drought. Among environmental factors, NDVI showed a significant negative relationship with both propagation ratios, and AWC was negatively correlated with the severity propagation ratio. In contrast, precipitation seasonality (Ps) and aridity index (Ai) did not exhibit significant correlations with propagation ratios, while snow fraction (fₛ) showed only a weak negative correlation with propagation intensity. Catchment slope also showed no significant relationship with propagation ratios. These patterns suggest that, in Khorasan Razavi, intrinsic catchment characteristics—particularly vegetation cover and soil water storage capacity—play a key role in attenuating drought propagation. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that drought propagation in the 46 catchments of Khorasan Razavi is predominantly characterized by a reduction in both intensity and severity, with 54% of catchments showing decreased propagation intensity and 67% exhibiting reduced severity. The mean propagation ratios for intensity and severity were –0.03 and –0.1, respectively. Meteorological drought intensity and severity emerged as the strongest controls on drought propagation, showing significant negative correlations with propagation ratios. Among environmental factors, vegetation cover (NDVI) and soil water storage capacity were the most influential in mitigating drought propagation, whereas climatic indices had no significant impact.

Application of artificial intelligence in preparing gully erosion susceptibility maps in the Alshater County, Lorestan Province

Negar Arjmand; Alireza Sepahvand; Omid Rahmati

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 237-256

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371373.2139

Abstract

IntroductionToday, the study of gully erosion is of great importance due to sediment production and numerous damages resulting from human activities. Many natural factors have been reported as controlling factors of gully erosion. Among the geo-environmental factors that control the critical conditions ... Read More IntroductionToday, the study of gully erosion is of great importance due to sediment production and numerous damages resulting from human activities. Many natural factors have been reported as controlling factors of gully erosion. Among the geo-environmental factors that control the critical conditions for the occurrence and development of gully erosion, primarily related to topography, lithology, rainfall, soil, and land use, other studies have stated that surface runoff is one of the main factors affecting the occurrence of gully erosion. Identifying the factors affecting the occurrence of gully erosion and its zoning is one of the essential and important tools for controlling and managing this phenomenon. Gully erosion is a significant threat to the state of ecosystems worldwide; consequently, developing gully erosion susceptibility maps is essential. Therefore, this research was conducted to mapping the susceptibility of gully erosion occurrence using artificial intelligence models of the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network, Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), and Flexible Discriminant Analysis (FDA) in Al-Shatr city. Materials and methodsThe study area is located in the central part of the Zagros mountain range in Lorestan Province, Iran, within the Karkheh sub-basin. Alashtar County covers an area of 1,523.55 km², situated between longitudes 48°30′52″E to 48°03′38″E and latitudes 34°01′21″N to 33°44′37″N. The basin has an average annual precipitation of approximately 570 mm and features a semi-arid, cold climate. To map gully erosion susceptibility and identify the most effective model, three artificial intelligence models were employed: Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), and Flexible Discriminant Analysis (FDA). Twelve environmental factors were used as input variables: slope, aspect, precipitation, distance from roads, distance from rivers, distance from faults, soil type, land use, geological formation, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Topographic Position Index (TPI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The output variables consisted of gully and non-gully points. A total of 151 points (89 gully and 62 non-gully locations) were collected. Seventy percent of the data were used for model training, while the remaining 30% were reserved for validation. Model performance was evaluated using the Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to assess predictive accuracy. Results and discussionThe results showed that the MLP model, with AUC values of 0.98 in the training phase and 0.92 in the validation phase, had the best performance in predicting gully erosion susceptibility. This was followed by the FDA (AUC = 0.87) and MaxEnt (AUC = 0.5) models, respectively. Analysis of the influencing factors revealed that most gullies were located in precipitation classes of 600-700 mm, distances greater than 300 meters from faults, roads, and rivers, slope classes of 0-5% and 5-15%, northern aspects, dry farming land use, and geological formations of old alluvium and marls. Furthermore, a direct relationship was observed between the TWI index and gully occurrence, while an inverse relationship was found for the NDVI index. Finally, the gully erosion map was prepared using the MLP model. ConclusionsGiven that gully erosion is an advanced form of water erosion, identifying its driving factors and mapping its susceptibility are crucial for effective control and management. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing gully erosion and develop machine learning models to map susceptibility in Shastar County. Results indicate that the Artificial Neural Network (MLP) model performed best, achieving an AUC of 0.92, followed by FDA (AUC = 0.87) and MaxEnt (AUC = 0.50). These findings provide valuable insights for planners and researchers regarding the factors driving gully erosion. Future research should explore additional machine learning techniques and incorporate other influential factors to further improve prediction accuracy.

Spatial zoning of land subsidence in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province using the machine learning model (AdaBoost)

Ahmadreza Karimipour; Saleh Yousefi; Sara Mardanian

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 257-274

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371650.2141

Abstract

Introduction The phenomenon of land subsidence, as a global challenge, has affected many plains and metropolitan areas, including various regions of Iran. This phenomenon is primarily caused by the uncontrolled exploitation of groundwater resources and geological factors, which can lead to serious consequences ... Read More Introduction The phenomenon of land subsidence, as a global challenge, has affected many plains and metropolitan areas, including various regions of Iran. This phenomenon is primarily caused by the uncontrolled exploitation of groundwater resources and geological factors, which can lead to serious consequences such as damage to infrastructure and the destruction of agricultural lands. Recent advances in remote sensing have enabled more accurate monitoring of this phenomenon, utilizing various techniques such as PS-InSAR and CPT. In addition to remote sensing, machine learning algorithms have also been used in various studies to predict subsidence. Accordingly, employing a suitable model with high accuracy in this field is of great importance. The AdaBoost model, due to its high capability in addressing the complex nonlinear relationships governing the subsidence phenomenon, can play an effective role in zoning subsidence risk levels, thereby contributing to risk management and land-use planning in a region. Materials and methods This study was conducted in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, located in the heart of the Zagros Mountains. Initially, thirty factors related to land subsidence were considered, encompassing topographic (elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, TWI, TPI, TRI), hydrological (distance from rivers, flow accumulation), geological (distance from faults, lithology), environmental (vegetation cover, land moisture index, land use), and climatic parameters (temperature, precipitation, snow depth). To avoid multicollinearity, a correlation matrix analysis was performed, leading to the removal of seven variables with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.7. Subsequently, 23 variables were retained for modeling. The AdaBoost algorithm was trained on 2,352 samples (1,859 subsidence and 493 non-subsidence) and validated on an independent test set of 772 samples (536 subsidence and 236 non-subsidence). The model's performance was assessed using the Area Under the Curve (AUC), Precision, Recall, and Kappa coefficient metrics. Results and discussion The data of the obtained statistical indices for the Area Under the Curve (AUC), model accuracy (Precision), Recall index (Recall), and Kappa coefficient (0.974, 0.936, 0.981, and 0.855, respectively) in evaluating the AdaBoost model indicate the model's highly desirable performance in predicting subsidence risk. Based on the classification obtained in the final subsidence risk zoning map, the study area was categorized into five classes: very low risk, low risk, moderate, high, and very high. The results showed that the plains of Boroujen and Shahrekord are at the highest risk, respectively, while limited parts of the Lordegan plain fall into the very high-risk category. Other plains in the province are mainly faced with low to moderate risk levels. Furthermore, the results indicated that 36% of the province is exposed to moderate subsidence risk. Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrate that the AdaBoost model is an effective tool for zoning land subsidence risk in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. According to the SHAP analysis, the three main parameters influencing subsidence, in order of importance, are: land slope angle, surface sand percentage, and groundwater level fluctuations. It was further established that an inverse relationship exists between land slope and subsidence intensity, meaning areas with gentler slopes exhibit greater vulnerability to this phenomenon. Conversely, a decline in the groundwater level and its fluctuations have a direct correlation with increased subsidence, while a higher surface sand percentage exerts a mitigating effect on subsidence occurrence. The results underscore the necessity for proper management of groundwater resources. The subsidence risk zoning map and the evaluation charts presented in this study can serve as practical tools for preventing and mitigating damages caused by land subsidence.

Experimental assessment of individual check dam performance for peak flow reduction using a small-scale model of Sijan Stream

Rouhangiz Akhtari; Hamidreza Hajipoor; Mojtaba Saneie; Mohammadreza Gharibreza

Volume 18, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 275-296

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2025.369122.2113

Abstract

Introduction Seasonal floods in mountainous regions of Iran are a major challenge for water resources management and the protection of rural communities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of check dams in reducing seasonal flood impacts in the Sijan watershed, Alborz Province, Iran. The watershed ... Read More Introduction Seasonal floods in mountainous regions of Iran are a major challenge for water resources management and the protection of rural communities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of check dams in reducing seasonal flood impacts in the Sijan watershed, Alborz Province, Iran. The watershed was selected because of its high flood potential, the occurrence of destructive debris floods (including the 2015 event), and the importance of Sijan village as a popular tourist destination. In 2018, the Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Management Organization of Iran constructed one masonry check dam and four gabion check dams along the main channel upstream of the village to reduce debris flood hazards. The main objective of this research was to simulate the historical flood event and evaluate the effectiveness of these structures in modifying flood hydrographs. Because the stream is seasonal and hydrometric data are limited, a physical model was used as the main research tool. This paper presents the results of the first stage of the study, which focuses on evaluating the effects of the check dams on runoff flood hydrographs (clear water flow without sediment). Materials and methods A direct physical modelling approach was used to investigate the influence of check dams on flood peak reduction and peak delay. Field investigations were carried out along a 700 m reach of the Sijan stream after the construction of the check dams. A detailed topographic survey at a scale of 1:1000 was then conducted. Due to laboratory space limitations, a 168 m section containing three 1 m high check dams was selected for modelling. A 1:10 scale physical model was built at the Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute following geometric and dynamic similarity principles. To eliminate infiltration effects, the channel bed and banks were made impermeable. The experiments considered two main factors: channel condition and inflow hydrograph characteristics. Three channel conditions were tested: (1) no check dams, (2) empty check dams, and (3) sediment-filled check dams. Flow conditions included both steady flow for stage-discharge calibration and unsteady triangular hydrographs for flood simulation. The time to peak was examined under three conditions: shorter than, equal to, and longer than the watershed concentration time. Peak discharges were selected below the estimated 10-year flood because of laboratory limitations. Hydraulic variables were measured using standard weirs, and all experiments were video recorded to improve measurement accuracy. The analysis focused on three hydraulic indicators: peak discharge reduction, delay in peak arrival time, and changes in flood base duration. In total, 90 experiments were conducted, and the outlet hydrographs were recorded using a sharp-crested rectangular weir. Results and discussion The results demonstrate that 1 m high check dams significantly modify flood hydrographs under different hydrological conditions using clear water over a rigid, non-erodible bed. In the natural channel without check dams, increasing inflow discharge reduced both peak attenuation and peak delay. Empty check dams showed the highest efficiency for floods with peak discharges below 4.74 m³/s (approximately corresponding to return periods of less than five years). Under these conditions, the dams temporarily stored runoff and effectively attenuated the flood hydrograph. However, as flood magnitude increased or the dams became filled with sediment, their storage capacity decreased, resulting in lower flood mitigation performance. The experiments showed that empty check dams reduced peak discharge by up to 28% and increased the time to peak by up to 36% during small and moderate floods. In addition, the ratio between watershed concentration time (tc) and flood time to peak (Tp) was identified as a key parameter controlling dam performance. For floods with short hydrograph duration (Tp < tc), representing intense short-duration storms, the dams achieved their highest efficiency, reducing peak discharge by up to 22.5% and increasing peak delay by up to 43%. Their effectiveness gradually decreased as flood return period and hydrograph duration increased. The results indicate that the design of check dam systems should consider watershed hydrological characteristics, including flood return period, hydrograph shape, time to peak, and sediment accumulation, to maximize flood reduction efficiency. Three empirical equations based on dimensional analysis were developed to quantify the effects of check dams on flood hydrograph characteristics. These equations showed good predictive performance, with coefficients of determination (R²) ranging from 0.81 to 0.92. However, their application to other watersheds requires local calibration. Conclusions The physical model results also identified the ratio tc/Tp as a practical indicator for evaluating check dam performance. When tc/Tp > 1, floods have a short time to peak and a narrow hydrograph. Under these conditions, check dams provide temporary storage, increase backwater effects, enhance local turbulence and energy dissipation, and significantly reduce peak discharge while delaying flood propagation. When tc/Tp ≈ 1, the inflow hydrograph is well balanced with the storage capacity of the dams, resulting in effective but moderate flood attenuation. When tc/Tp < 1, floods have a longer duration, and the available storage behind the dams gradually becomes full. Consequently, the proportion of dissipated flow energy decreases, leading to lower reductions in peak discharge and smaller delays in flood timing. Overall, the findings demonstrate that check dam performance depends not only on the structural characteristics of the dams but also on watershed hydrology, particularly the tc/Tp ratio. Therefore, in watersheds with short concentration times, check dams are particularly effective for mitigating flash floods and should be designed to maximize temporary storage and energy dissipation. In contrast, in watersheds with longer concentration times, combining check dams with larger storage facilities and other watershed management measures is likely to provide better flood mitigation. The study also highlights the importance of considering long-term sediment deposition during the design and maintenance of check dams, as sediment accumulation significantly reduces their storage capacity and hydraulic performance over time.

Effect of sand on increased moisture in the root zone using two methods of irrigation

Volume 12, Issue 4 , January 2021, , Pages 994-1008

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2020.127982.1726

Abstract

Soil erosion is an important chalenge in arid and semi-arid regions which has a negative impact on soil productivity and lose soil. Improper management of natural resources causes soil erosion. This reaearch was implemented in the north of Sistan and its aim was to idintyfy the effect of sand on increased ... Read More

Assessment of soil and vegetation cover charachtristics on marl formations, case study: Sabzevar marls

Volume 12, Issue 4 , January 2021, , Pages 929-940

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2020.125526.1615

Abstract

Marl formations due to their unsuitable physico-chemical properties have low vegetation cover and so are highly erodible. These formations make up about 2000 km2 of lands in Sabzevar and Davarzan areas. In this research, geology, pedology and vegetation cover of marl formations were studied. Geologically, ... Read More

Effect of drought on groundwater resources in order to optimize utilization management, case study: Plain Alashtar

Volume 6, Issue 1 , May 2014, , Pages 10-20

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2014.101733

Abstract

Drought is the most hazardous natural phenomenon. Although not preventable, its negative effects can be reduced through taking some measures. One of the systems severely affected by drought while less considered is the groundwater. In this study, drought status and its impact on groundwater resources ... Read More

Considering the ability of Cs-137 method application to calculate soil sediment and deposition in Taseran watershed of Kabodar Ahang

Volume 3, Issue 2 , August 2011, , Pages 94-101

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2011.101920

Abstract

Due to the importance of water erosion in reducing soil fertility many studies have been done on the quantity of this destructive phenomenon. Tamura and Rogowosky found a meaningful relation between water erosion and Cs-137 loss in soil matrix. This report was the first of application of Cs-137 method ... Read More

Investigating the effects of climate change using the results of the sixth report of the inter-state delegation on the amount of runoff and sediment yield

Volume 16, Issue 4 , January 2025, , Pages 550-570

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2024.365664.2062

Abstract

Introduction Climate change is one of the most important challenges that affects natural ecosystems and different aspects of human life. The effects of global warming on the hydrology and water cycle in nature are very serious, and knowing these effects quantitatively creates more preparation to deal ... Read More Introduction Climate change is one of the most important challenges that affects natural ecosystems and different aspects of human life. The effects of global warming on the hydrology and water cycle in nature are very serious, and knowing these effects quantitatively creates more preparation to deal with its consequences. It is necessary to evaluate these changes in order to reduce their effects on the basin and formulate a suitable strategy to minimize their adverse effects. This study uses a combined model of SDSM and SWAT to investigate the effects of climate change on the amount of runoff and sediment in Karganrood watershed in Gilan province in Iran. The water measuring station (Mashin Khaneh) is located inside this basin and has a long statistical history. Also, the least amount of land use changes has taken place in this basin, which can better show the results of revealing climate changes on the amount of runoff and sediment. materials and methods In order to investigate the consequences of climate change on runoff and sediment, SWAT hydrological model was used. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated by the SUFI-2 algorithm by improving the simulation results of discharge flow and basin sediment. After the implementation of SWAT model, 109 hydrological response units (HRU) were extracted in five sub-basins. After 500 steps of simulation, finally 22 parameters in runoff production and 6 parameters in sediment production of Karganrood watershed were identified as effective parameters. Then, according to the values obtained from NS, R² and RMSE evaluation criteria, it was found that CanESM5 climate model has better accuracy and efficiency than MPI-ESM1.2-HR and NorESM2-MM climate models. By introducing the time series of daily average precipitation and temperature resulting from the output of the CanESM5 climate model and using the SDSM downscaling model, the runoff and sedimentation of the Karganrood basin on a monthly basis at the Mashin Khaneh hydrometric station in the periods of 2026-2050, 2075-2051 and 2100- 2076 for two scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. Simulated. Results and discussion According to the values obtained from NS, R² and RMSE evaluation criteria, it was found that CanESM5 climate model has better accuracy and efficiency than MPI-ESM1.2-HR and NorESM2-MM climate models. The results of the CanESM5 model indicate that precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature will decrease in all future periods based on SSP2-4.5. Also, the examination of CanESM5 model results in connection with SSP5-8.5 shows that precipitation will decrease in all future periods and the maximum temperature will increase in the period of 2051-2075 and 2076-2100. Also, the results of climate data in all three climate models and in both scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 showed that the period of 2076-2100 will be drier and warmer than other periods. In order to investigate the consequences of climate change on runoff and sediment using the SWAT hydrological model and by introducing the time series of average daily precipitation and temperature from the output of the CanESM5 climate model and using the SDSM downscaling model, the runoff and sediment of the Karganrood basin on a monthly basis at the station Car house hydrometry in the periods 2050-2026, 2051-2075 and 2076-2100 for two scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. Simulated. The results of the SWAT model showed that the runoff changes for the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios will decrease and the sediment changes will increase in all future periods. Conclusion Using the output data of the CanESM5 climate model related to the sixth report and under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios and using the SWAT model, the amount of runoff and sediment in three time periods of the near future (2026-2050), medium (2051- 2075) and period (2076-2100) was carried out. The amount of sediment at the exit point of the Mashin Khaneh water measuring station showed an increasing trend. Also, the results showed that the observed stream flow limit does not match with the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios in the future periods, but the observed sedimentation is compatible with the future periods. The data of the SSP2-4.5 scenario showed that discharge will decrease in all periods and sediment will increase in all future periods. The largest changes in discharge are related to the future period of 2076-2100 and amount to -56.7 percent, and the lowest number of changes in discharge are related to the future period of 2026-2050 and amount to -48.5 percent. The highest sediment changes are related to the future period of 2051-2075 and amount to 54.3% and the lowest amount of sediment changes are related to the future period of 2026-2050 and amount to 5.12%. Also, the results of the SWAT model based on the data of the SSP5-8.5 scenario showed that discharge will decrease in all periods and sediment will increase in all future periods. The largest changes in the flow rate are related to the future period of 2076-2100 and amount to -56% and the lowest number of changes in the flow rate are related to the future period of 2026-2050 and amount to -52.8%. The highest sediment changes are related to the future period of 2076-2100 and amount to 113.27% and the lowest amount of sediment changes are related to the future period of 2026-2050 and amount to 29%. It seems that the decrease in rainfall in the coming periods will cause a decrease in vegetation, especially in late summer and early autumn and with the melting of the remaining snow in the highlands due to the increase in temperature; The amount of produced runoff increases, which will increase the sediment produced in the basin.

Evaluation of Ecosystem Health of Meyghan Wetland of Arak

seid omid aleyasin; bahman shamsesfandabad; Hamid Toranjzar; abas ahmadi; Shahro Mokhtari

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 13 September 2021

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2021.353494.1879

Abstract

Abstract: Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. They provide a unique and rich habitat for creature .they also perform a wide range of economic and service functions such as water conservation, runoff regulation, water quality treatment and recreational services. The aim of ... Read More

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Estimation of spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture with ground penetrating radar(GPR)

mohammad taghi heydari; Hosseinali Bahrami; , alireza aliyari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 21 August 2022

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2022.352582.1857

Abstract

Soil moisture is one of the fundamental parameters of the environment that is directly influenced by plant life, animal and activity of micro-organisms and plays a major role in energy exchanges between air and soil. Determination of the exact amount of soil moisture content in agricultural, hydrology ... Read More

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Qualitative study of river water using Hilsenhoff biological index (Case study: Babolrood watershed)

mehri raoofi; Mahmoud Habibnejad Roshan; Kaka Shahedi; Fatemeh Kardel

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 21 August 2022

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2022.356556.1926

Abstract

Rivers are the main arteries of watersheds that play an important role in providing water for agriculture, drinking and industry. On the other hand, the reduction of river water quality has been one of the biggest human concerns in the last century. In order to evaluate the quality of running water, ... Read More

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Assessment of the Performance of Data-Driven Models in Estimating Suspended Sediment in High-Sediment Rivers: A Case Study of the Hootan Gauging Station, Atrak River, Maraveh Tappeh Study Unit

Mahmoudreza Tabatabaei; Mohammadreza Gharib Reza

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 19 January 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2025.370547.2129

Abstract

This study examines the accurate estimation of suspended sediment in the Atrak River, particularly at the Hootan station. Suspended sediment in rivers, especially in semi-arid regions, poses significant challenges for water resource management and sediment control in dam reservoirs. In this research, ... Read More

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The role of natural micro-watersheds and stabilizing gullies in the sustainability and conservation of vegetation in the Shoosh representative watershed: implications for arid ecosystem management

Mehri Dinarvand; saba peyrov; seyed hossein Arami; behzad tajari; kohzad heidari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 June 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.370738.2130

Abstract

Iran is located in the arid and semi-arid belt of the world and is very far from moisture sources. Arid and desert areas, due to a lack of moisture, high temperatures, strong winds, soil erosion, and land degradation caused by human activity, have created tough conditions for plant growth and development, ... Read More

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Uncertainty Estimation of Discharge Rating Curves Using GLU and Bayesian Approaches

Seyed Morteza Seydian; Hossein Emami

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 June 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371758.2145

Abstract

Any modeling and decision-making process in watershed management fundamentally depends on accurate discharge data at the basin outlet. However, direct measurement of discharge is both costly and time-consuming. Therefore, at hydrometric stations, water stage is routinely recorded, and discharge is estimated ... Read More

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Presenting an Integrated Intelligent Model (Cat-XG)Boost for Runoff Prediction (Case Study: Karaj Watershed)

Ramtin Tavoosi Rad; Mohamad ansarighojghar; Arash Malekian

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 June 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371813.2147

Abstract

Accurate runoff prediction plays a crucial role in water resource management, flood control, and climate change adaptation planning. Given the nonlinear, complex, and multifactorial nature of hydrological processes, the use of data-driven methods and machine learning algorithms has become an efficient ... Read More

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Temporal variation of base flow in the Baronchay- River sub-basin,Aras

Bagher Ghermez-cheshme

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 June 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.372170.2155

Abstract

Knowledge of temporal variation of base flow and its change trends in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran is essential for developing basin water resources management plans. In this study, the Barun-chay River basin was selected with daily stream flow discharge for the period of 1976-1997. Using ... Read More

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Assessing managerial-institutional resilience of flood-prone rural settlements using one-way analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA) and K-Means Analysis

Amin Salehpour Jam; Noredin Rostami; Shokoufeh Abdali

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 June 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.372312.2158

Abstract

In this study, aimed at assessing managerial-institutional resilience across different sub-watersheds of the Sang Sefid watershed, the indicators for each of the aforementioned components were first identified based on a review of the literature, library studies, interviews with experts, and field observations. ... Read More In this study, aimed at assessing managerial-institutional resilience across different sub-watersheds of the Sang Sefid watershed, the indicators for each of the aforementioned components were first identified based on a review of the literature, library studies, interviews with experts, and field observations. In this research, using a multi-response coding method, the questionnaire variables were qualitative ordinal variables, consistent with the Likert scale (Very Low = 1, Low = 2, Moderate = 3, High = 4, and Very High = 5). Following the assessment of the questionnaire's validity and reliability, a survey was conducted among the watershed residents. In this regard, the validity of the measurement instrument was confirmed by a panel of experts, and the sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula. It should be noted that 14 expert specialists were consulted to assess the validity of the questionnaire and the indicators for measuring resilience, and finally, the validity of the measurement instrument was confirmed by them. Regarding reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was employed to calculate the reliability or dependability of the measurement instrument. Furthermore, the managerial-institutional resilience of local communities exposed to flood risk within the hydrological units of the Sang Sefid watershed was assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the K-means cluster analysis method. The comparison of the two methods—one-way ANOVA and K-means cluster analysis—demonstrated a significant convergence in assessing the managerial-institutional flood resilience potential of the hydrological units. The identification of Units S-int3 and S9 as the least and most resilient units, respectively, in both methods reinforces the internal validity of the findings. Moreover, the similar grouping of the other units into three distinct classes (with the exception of Unit S-int5) reveals a clear pattern of spatial distribution of resilience across the region, which can serve as a basis for prioritizing management interventions.

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Distributed Groundwater Level Modeling Using Graph, Convolutional, and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks

Negin Rashidi; Vahid moosavi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 July 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.372792.2170

Abstract

Introduction:Modeling groundwater level is challenging due to its complex, nonlinear, spatiotemporal nature. This study aims to present and evaluate a distributed deep learning approach to predict groundwater levels in the Koshk-Fahan aquifer (Sefidrud basin). By combining graph neural networks with ... Read More Introduction:Modeling groundwater level is challenging due to its complex, nonlinear, spatiotemporal nature. This study aims to present and evaluate a distributed deep learning approach to predict groundwater levels in the Koshk-Fahan aquifer (Sefidrud basin). By combining graph neural networks with convolutional and LSTM structures, we seek to capture spatial and temporal dependencies and improve prediction accuracy over conventional methods.Materials and Methods:Four graph-based deep learning structures were used: Graph Neural Network (GNN), Graph Attention Network (GAT), Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), and the hybrid GCN-LSTM. Each piezometric well was a node; the adjacency matrix used inverse distance weighting. Input data included hydro-climatic variables, geology, pumping characteristics, and spatial distances. Evaluation indices: R², RMSE, MAE, NSE, KGE.Results and discussion:The results indicated that while the GNN model could partially reconstruct the general trends of groundwater level changes, it lacked accuracy in representing extreme behaviors and temporal dependencies. The GAT model showed a slight improvement over GNN but remained limited in extracting deep temporal patterns. In contrast, the GCN model demonstrated better performance in identifying spatial dependencies, leading to a significant improvement in evaluation metrics. The best performance was achieved by the GCN-LSTM model, which effectively represented both spatial and temporal features simultaneously, showing the highest overlap with observed data. This model reached an R2 of 0.896, RMSE of 0.336, and MAE of 0.269, indicating its high accuracy in predicting groundwater levels.Conclusion:Hybrid graph-sequential architectures, especially GCN-LSTM, are highly effective for modeling complex aquifer hydrodynamics. This model predicted groundwater levels with high accuracy and outperformed purely graph-based models. Therefore, it is recommended for operational groundwater prediction and sustainable water management, serving as a novel framework to support better decision-making in water resources.

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Evaluating Four Decades of the Fair Water Distribution Law in Iran: Performance, Challenges, and Prospects for Reform

Seyed Ahmad Hosseini; mohamad rostami; Masood Akbari; roohangiz akhtari; mehrnaz baniamam; mohammadreza gharibreza; nezam asgharipour

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 July 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371721.2142

Abstract

The Fair Water Distribution Act, enacted in 1982 with the aim of establishing public ownership over water resources, preventing excessive abstraction, and ensuring reasonable consumption, introduced instruments such as exploitation permits, water-meter installation, designation of forbidden zones, and ... Read More

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Accurate Modeling of Suspended Sediment Using a Hybrid Intelligent Approach Based on Sediment Rating Curve and CANFIS Network (Case Study: Glinak Station)

Golaleh Ghaffari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 July 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.370028.2123

Abstract

Accurate modeling of suspended sediment is a key challenge in water resources management, requiring methods capable of capturing the complex and nonlinear behavior of sediment transport processes. This study investigates a hybrid modeling approach that integrates sediment rating curves (SRC) and artificial ... Read More Accurate modeling of suspended sediment is a key challenge in water resources management, requiring methods capable of capturing the complex and nonlinear behavior of sediment transport processes. This study investigates a hybrid modeling approach that integrates sediment rating curves (SRC) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict suspended sediment load at the Glink hydrometric station in the Taleghan watershed. Historical streamflow and suspended sediment data from 1971 to 2023 were preprocessed and analyzed using three modeling frameworks: (i) empirical models (six types of SRCs), (ii) data-driven models (MLP, GFF, RBF, SVM, SOFM, and CANFIS), and (iii) two hybrid structures. Among the empirical models, the "class-mean method" outperformed others with the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.75) and the lowest relative mean error (RME), making it the most reliable rating curve approach.The results unequivocally demonstrate that the synergistic integration of empirical hydrological reasoning and artificial intelligence provides a resilient and efficient modeling framework for watersheds characterized by pronounced skewness and a high prevalence of anomalous observations. In this context, the CANFIS architecture, leveraging fuzzy logic to resolve complex nonlinear interactions, substantially improves the representation of hysteretic sediment dynamics and offers clear advantages over conventional computational structures, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), general feed-forward (GFF), radial basis function (RBF), support vector machine (SVM), and self-organizing feature map (SOFM) networks.Given the strategic significance of flood events in water resources engineering, the rigorous interrogation of outlier behavior is not optional but imperative. The proposed hybrid framework effectively captures and interprets these statistical anomalies with acceptable precision, thereby reinforcing its applicability in suspended sediment transport management under extreme hydrological conditions.To advance methodological robustness and scientific depth in future investigations, the establishment of comprehensive, high-resolution databases—particularly those documenting peak flood discharges—is strongly recommended.

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Evaluation of Loss Functions (Standard, Robust, and Data-Distribution-Based) in the XGBoost Model for Suspended Sediment Simulation and Analysis of the Effect of Logarithmic Transformation on Its Performance (Case Study: Mashin Hydrometry Station, Ro

Mahmoudreza Tabatabaei

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.372606.2165

Abstract

Extended abstract Introduction Understanding the precise dynamics of suspended sediment in high-erosion rivers, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as the Roodzard River basin, is essential for sustainable water resource management and the optimal operation of dam reservoirs. The influx ... Read More

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Assessment of Performance and Accuracy of Satellite Precipitation Products (CHIRPS, GPM, and PERSIANN) in Khuzestan Province

Alireza Yousefi Kebriya; Mehdi Nadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371816.2148

Abstract

High-resolution precipitation data in both temporal and spatial domains are considered fundamental inputs in a wide range of environmental and hydrological studies. In this study, precipitation data from three satellite-based products (CHIRPS, GPM, and PERSIANN) were extracted using Google Earth Engine ... Read More High-resolution precipitation data in both temporal and spatial domains are considered fundamental inputs in a wide range of environmental and hydrological studies. In this study, precipitation data from three satellite-based products (CHIRPS, GPM, and PERSIANN) were extracted using Google Earth Engine and evaluated against ground-based station observations in Khuzestan Province for the years 2010, 2018, and 2022 at a monthly time scale. A set of statistical indicators, including RMSE, MAE, MBE, Pearson correlation coefficient, R², and Kendall’s tau, was employed to assess the accuracy of the products.The results indicated that CHIRPS and PERSIANN exhibited higher absolute accuracy compared to GPM. The RMSE values ranged from 17.3 to 22.8 mm for CHIRPS and from 15.3 to 25.9 mm for PERSIANN, whereas GPM showed a substantially higher RMSE of approximately 97.1 mm in the wet year of 2018. Bias analysis also revealed a significant overestimation in GPM, with MBE values ranging between 30.8 and 57.6 mm, while CHIRPS showed a near-zero bias and PERSIANN demonstrated a moderate positive bias.In terms of temporal correlation, GPM achieved the highest Pearson correlation coefficients (up to 0.92) and R² values (up to 0.85), although this strong agreement in pattern was accompanied by large absolute errors. Kendall’s tau values above 0.65 for all three products indicate their general ability to capture precipitation temporal dynamics. Multivariate analyses further revealed that the performance of satellite products is highly dependent on rainfall intensity; CHIRPS and PERSIANN showed more stable performance under low to moderate rainfall conditions, whereas GPM consistently exhibited overestimation across all rainfall regimes.Accordingly, CHIRPS and PERSIANN can be considered more reliable options for quantitative applications in Khuzestan Province, while the use of GPM requires bias correction tailored to local climatic conditions.

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Assessment of Social and Economic Impacts of the Davood Rashid Flood Spreading Station on Local Communities in Kouhdasht County, Iran

Ebrahim Karimi Sangchini; Seyed Hossein Arami; Ehsan Alvandi; Ebrahim Yousefi Mobarhan; Ali Dastranj; Maryam Sadat Jaafarzadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.371785.2146

Abstract

This study aims to assess the social and economic impacts of this station on surrounding rural communities and identify factors influencing public participation. The statistical population consisted of 195 households residing in three villages adjacent to the Davood Rashid Flood Spreading Station, of ... Read More This study aims to assess the social and economic impacts of this station on surrounding rural communities and identify factors influencing public participation. The statistical population consisted of 195 households residing in three villages adjacent to the Davood Rashid Flood Spreading Station, of which 130 individuals were selected as the sample using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by experts and reliability was verified by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.829). The designed questionnaire included various sections, such as demographic characteristics, level and type of participation, evaluation of factors affecting participation, and strategies for its improvement. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to outline the demographic characteristics of the community, and inferential tests, such as exploratory factor analysis, were employed to identify the main dimensions affecting participation. The Friedman test was also utilized to rank the factors and strategies. In the analysis of factors affecting participation, three economic factors—"creating new job opportunities," "diversifying income sources," and "increasing household income"—ranked first with mean ranks of 12.55, 12.44, and 12.17, respectively, while "enhancing women’s participation" was identified as the main weakness of the project with a mean rank of 3.02. The Friedman test also confirmed a significant difference between the ranks (χ² = 1013.631). In the section on strategies to improve participation, tangible and livelihood-oriented strategies including "improving water resources" (mean rank = 12.56), "enhancing rural facilities" (12.16), and "increasing income and land productivity" (12.02) were found to be the most effective, while institutional and process-oriented strategies such as "receiving financial support" (3.19) had the least impact. The results indicate that while the Davood Rashid Flood Spreading Project has succeeded in the economic domain and infrastructural development, it requires serious strengthening in the social domain and institutional aspects.

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Analysis of Watershed Management Project Implementation Experiences and Prioritization of Factors Affecting Rural Non-Participation from the Perspective of Experts and Local Communities (Case Study: Seylab-Chay Watershed, East Azerbaijan)

jamshid yarahmadi; amin salehpourjam; Hossin Derakhshan

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.372095.2154

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: The increasing demand for the exploitation of natural resources, along with the condition of watersheds in terms of weak vegetation, formations sensitive to erosion, and the presence of heavy rainfall, has led to the increasing destruction of the main resources of human life, namely ... Read More AbstractIntroduction: The increasing demand for the exploitation of natural resources, along with the condition of watersheds in terms of weak vegetation, formations sensitive to erosion, and the presence of heavy rainfall, has led to the increasing destruction of the main resources of human life, namely water and soil.The aim of the present study is to prioritize the factors affecting the lack of sustainable participation of rural communities in watershed management projects in the watershed of East Azarbayjan province Silab Chay).Materials And Methods: This research is an applied-descriptive research. The statistical population of the research includes experts, residents, and users, who were selected based on the Cochran formula, numbering 323 people.Results and discussion: In the Silab Chay watershed, the range of changes in the consistency ratio of expert judgments also varies between 0.035 and 0.072, which is acceptable. Prioritization of indicators affecting people's lack of participation in watershed management projects shows that economic, educational, and extension indicators have the highest and lowest priority, respectively. From the perspective of local communities, the sub-index "ignoring people's income as a direct economic incentive" with an average rank of 13.33 has the highest relative priority, and the sub-index "ethnic and local differences" with an average rank of 16.5 has the lowest relative priority in people's lack of participation in watershed management projects. Also, from the perspective of experts, the sub-index "low income of basin residents" with an average rank of 12.69 has the highest relative priority, and the sub-index "local and ethnic differences" with an average rank of 10.4 has the lowest relative priority in people's lack of participation in watershed management projects.Conclusion: the development of a description of new integrated watershed management services based on stakeholder participation and cooperation between natural resource management organizations is proposed as a fundamental step

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The role of vegetation cover and morphometry of gully in creating the walls tensile cracks

Moslem Borji Hassan Gaviar; Mohsen Farzin; Ali Akbar Nazari Samani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.372620.2166

Abstract

In this study, 47 gullies (including 25 gullies with longitudinal cracks and 22 gullies without cracks) were surveyed and analyzed using UAV imagery with a vertical accuracy of 2 cm. The measured variables included wall slope, bank height, crack distance from the gully edge, bottom and top channel width, ... Read More In this study, 47 gullies (including 25 gullies with longitudinal cracks and 22 gullies without cracks) were surveyed and analyzed using UAV imagery with a vertical accuracy of 2 cm. The measured variables included wall slope, bank height, crack distance from the gully edge, bottom and top channel width, channel bed slope, gully planform curvature (outer, straight, inner), and vegetation cover status. The statistical analyses included independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Fisher’s exact test, Spearman’s correlation, cluster analysis, and ROC curve analysis, all of which were performed using R and SPSS software. The results showed that wall slope is the most important factor controlling the occurrence of tensile cracks, such that the mean slope in cracked gullies (86.7 degrees) was significantly higher than in non-cracked gullies (50 degrees). Furthermore, outer curvature and lack of vegetation cover, with odds ratios of 4.2 and 4.57 respectively, were identified as the most important factors increasing the likelihood of crack occurrence. The crack distance from the gully edge (mean: 2.67 m) was mainly influenced by the geometric dimensions of the gully and showed a statistically significant positive correlation only with the bottom channel width. ROC analysis determined the critical wall slope threshold as 78.4 degrees (AUC = 0.835), with model sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 86.4%, respectively. Additionally, cluster analysis revealed three distinct patterns of cracked gullies, indicating different stages of instability evolution. The findings of this study have direct implications for gully erosion management. First, wall slope can be used as a rapid and field-measurable indicator for prioritizing conservation measures. Gullies with a slope exceeding the critical threshold of 78.4 degrees should be prioritized for stabilization, as the probability of crack formation and failure propagation is significantly higher in these gullies.

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Assessment of the Impact of Vegetation Change Scenarios on Flood Response in the Abbar Mountainous Watershed Using HEC-HMS

Masood Akbari; Parisa Mansouri

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwmse.2026.373311.2176

Abstract

The results reveal that the watersheds draining toward Abbar City possess considerable runoff generation potential and are capable of producing significant flood peaks under current land-use conditions, particularly for return periods between 50 and 200 years. Statistical analysis confirmed that the ... Read More

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