Satellite Gravimetric Estimation of Groundwater Storage Variations Over Indus Basin in Pakistan

Like other agrarian countries, Pakistan is now heavily dependent on its groundwater resources to meet the irrigated agricultural water demand. Groundwater has emerged as a major source with more than 60% contribution in total water supplies. In the absence of groundwater regulation, the uneven and overexploitation of groundwater resource in Indus Basin has caused several problems of water table decline, groundwater mining, and deterioration of groundwater quality. This study evaluates the potential of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Satellite (GRACE)-based estimation of changes in groundwater storage (GWS) as a cost-effective approach for groundwater monitoring and policy recommendations for sustainable water management in the Indus basin. The GRACE monthly gravity anomalies from 2003 to 2010 were analyzed as total water storage (TWS) variations. The variable infiltration capacity hydrological model-generated soil moisture and surface runoff were used for the separation of TWS into GWS anomalies. The GRACE-based GWS anomalies are found to favorably agree with trends inferred from in situ piezometric data. A general depletion trend is observed in Upper Indus Plain (UIP) where groundwater is found to be declining at a mean rate of about 13.5 mm per year in equivalent height of water during 2003-2010. A total loss of about 11.82 km3 per year fresh groundwater stock is inferred for UIP. Based on TWS variations and ground knowledge, the two southern river plains, Bari and Rechna are found to be under threat of extensive groundwater depletion. GRACE TWS data were also able to pick up signals from the large-scale flooding events observed in 2010 and 2014. These flooding events played a significant role in the replenishment of the groundwater system in Indus Basin. Our study indicates that the GRACE-based estimation of GWS changes is skillful enough to provide monthly updates on the trend of the GWS changes for resource managers and policy makers of Indus basin.

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