Home – Home – Jornals – Geography and Natural Resources 2021 number 3

In arid regions, the shortage of water resources and a rapid population growth have damaged the natural balance and caused a sudden or gradual land subsidence. Therefore, in future, even if there is water on the surface of the Earth, its potential penetration will be reduced greatly. Hence, if these water spaces are lost, they will be lost permanently and it will be the end of an aquifer’s life. In this study, six criteria (hydrology, lithology, etc.) were used to determine the potential land subsidence above the Birjand aquifer by the analytical network process. The method of collecting data was based on questionnaires and interviews with experts. Results show that the hydrogeological criterion and the sub-criteria of water resources availability and groundwater exploitation have the most important role in potential land subsidence. In addition, about 14 % of the aquifer is prone to subside in the Dastgerd village, the Masoumiyeh residential area and Khousf town. According to observational data on the influx of sewage below the residential areas, there has been a downturn that has caused the breakdown of open wells with the passage of time. Therefore, it is imperative for planners to pay more attention in land use planning in these areas, especially residential areas that are more at risk.