Advanced Applied Geology

Advanced Applied Geology

Investigating the existence of submarine springs in the Persian Gulf region using satellite images and water balance studies

Authors
1 Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Department of Forestry, Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University , Ilam, Iran
3 Department of Arid and Mountainous Areas Restoration, Faculty of Natural Resources, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Kharazmi University, Alborz, Iran
Abstract
In some areas along the coast of the Persian Gulf, karstic anticlines are located adjacent to the sea, where the possibility of fresh groundwater discharge to the sea through Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) springs is considered. This study aims to investigate the presence or absence of SGD in the study area and to answer the main question: do the karstic systems adjacent to the Persian Gulf in Bushehr Province have the potential to discharge water into the sea via submarine springs? To this end, climatic, geological, and hydrogeological data of the Kangan salt anticline—the closest karstic anticline to the sea—were collected from relevant organizations. Water balance data were obtained from official sources including the Regional Water Company, the General Directorate of Meteorology, and the General Directorate of Fisheries of Bushehr. Additionally, remote sensing data from MODIS and Landsat 8 sensors were gathered and processed to analyze changes in sea surface temperature (SST), salinity, and chlorophyll-a during summer and winter periods. Moreover, two field visits were conducted, during which multiple interviews were held with approximately 50 local fishermen and residents. The results of this study showed no evidence of permanent SGD in the area. Water balance data for the Kangan salt anticline also indicated no surplus karstic water resources available for discharge into the sea. Satellite image analysis revealed no thermal anomalies or significant changes in salinity and chlorophyll patterns, except for a limited case in Nayband Bay, which appears to be related to localized discharge of alluvial aquifer waters.
Keywords
Subjects

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