Evaluating groundwater storage variations in Afghanistan using GRACE, GLDAS, and in-situ measurements

Jawadi, Hussain Ali; Farahmand, Asadullah; Roderick Fensham; Nilanchal Patel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/25748

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Abstract(s)

Groundwater resources are essential for providing drinking water and irrigation in Afghanistan. However, the rising demand due to population growth and climate change is putting increasing pressure on these resources. Despite this, the lack of organized groundwater monitoring and comprehensive long-term data on groundwater storage fuctuations remains a signifcant challenge. This study aims to address this issue by ofering insights into groundwater storage fuctuations and providing a thorough overview of Afghanistan's groundwater situation. The study aims to delineate and explain the variations in groundwater storage within Afghanistan. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the accuracy of the GRACE model's projected groundwater storage anomalies. By leveraging the GLDAS database, the study also explores several potential factors infuencing changes in groundwater storage. In Kabul, where an in-situ groundwater network and monitoring wells are available for validation, the study confrms the spatio-temporal analysis of groundwater storage. The fndings indicate a signifcant decline in groundwater storage across the region, peaking in February 2005 (exceeding 10 cm) and reaching its lowest point in January 2017 (more than -15 cm). The most afected areas are the Harirud-Murghab, Helmand, and Kabul Basins, with a total change of approximately 116 mm. The northern part of the Helmand River Basin (HRB) remains relatively unafected. Various factors contribute to changes in groundwater storage, including reduced precipitation in the Harirud-Murghab Basin, climate change, and geological conditions. In the Kabul River Basin (KRB), urbanization, population growth, and excessive groundwater extraction play signifcant roles. Additionally, the study suggests a direct correlation between precipitation variability and groundwater storage changes nationwide.