A Conceptual Framework for Groundwater System Dynamics Evaluation by Combining Adaptive Cycle Theory and Social-Ecological System

Document Type : Original Article

Author

• Aliakbar Taghilou

Urmia University, Iran.

10.22067/jrrp.v13i2.2310-1090

Abstract

Purpose- The groundwater system is subject to drastic changes. Nonlinear changes in the groundwater system and management have made it difficult.  There has been no study on groundwater dynamics assessment and most studies have examined the variables of salinity control, pollution, water volume and water demand. In addition to filling the study gap, the difference of the research is that it has studied the capacity and the elements of the groundwater system as indicators in the groundwater dynamics.
Design/methodology/approach- In this study, using studies and literature on the groundwater Social-Ecological System (SES), a framework for evaluating groundwater SES dynamics by combining the groundwater adaptive cycle is presented. SES Groundwater consists of three subsystems: the aquifer, natural environment, and community. The elements of these three subsystems move in a four-stage adaptive cycle of exploitation, protection, release, and reorganization, in which potential change, connections, and adaptive capacity make the system dynamic.
Findings - In assessing the dynamics of the groundwater system, the threshold of concern is an important concept for indicators for which capacity can­ not be defined or when and where the indicators change.
Originality/value - The groundwater system dynamics assessment framework can be useful for proper management and timely actions to protect water and aquifer services in different areas.

Keywords

• Adaptive Cycle
• Groundwater
• System Dynamics
• Social-Ecological System
• Evaluation

Main Subjects

• Rural Studies

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