Optimization of Hydraulic Parameters of Iranshahr Alluvial Aquifer

Problem statement: The Iranshahr aquifer consists of an unconfined la yer. We simulated groundwater flow of the Iranshahr aquifer in a conc eptual model. This model is a suitable tool for management of groundwater system and would also be effective when applied in other countries. Approach: In this study, we constructed the conceptual model of Iranshahr aquifer, which is important and applicable in environmental studies. We used th e automatic parameter estimation method and hydraulic head observation through calibration in o rder to identify the best parameter values. During the calibration, the optimized values of the parame ters obtained. 24 parameters estimated by means of regression and the rest remaining unestimated parameters optimized using the trial-and-error method. Results: The results of the model show a good fit between o bservation and simulated values. Automated calibration procedure estimated the hydra ulic parameters of the aquifer. Conclusion: The optimized values and the zonation of the hydraulic parameters of the aquifer showed the best areas for developing and extracting groundwater from the aquifer taking the optimized hydraulics values into account.