GroMoPo Metadata for Aynalem Well Field model

Improved understanding of linkages of hydrogeological systems with human interactions is required for sustainable development of groundwater resources in arid and semiarid regions. In this paper, an integrated approach coupling geographical information system (GIS) and a finite-difference method-based numerical model was used to carry out groundwater flow modeling of the Aynalem well field aquifer system in Ethiopia to determine impacts of external hydraulic stresses on the groundwater regime and to investigate the long-term effects of current pumping practices for municipal water supply to the city of Mekelle, Ethiopia. It incorporates stream-aquifer interaction, water budgeting, and long-term groundwater level prediction. Results show good agreement between simulated and observed hydraulic heads with a correlation coefficient of 0.97. The well yield potential would decrease because of the alarming rate (1.9 m= year) of decline in groundwater level. An approximately 38-m decline in groundwater level is expected by the end of year 2022, and thus no additional wells are recommended for groundwater sustainability. Results reveal the need of regulation on groundwater draft, determination of optimized pumping rates, and groundwater recharge measures for the sustainability of groundwater resources. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the recharge is more sensitive compared to hydraulic conductivity and streambed conductance.(C) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.