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Analysis of institutional authors

Boer, DieterAuthorNorouzi, MasoudCorresponding Author

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May 20, 2024
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Geospatial distribution of qanats in middle eastern countries: Potential for sustainable groundwater system

Publicated to:Journal Of Arid Environments. 222 - 2024-04-24 222(), DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2024.105170

Authors: Mohajerani, Mostafa; Dokhanian, Fahimeh; Estaji, Hassan; Boer, Dieter; Norouzi, Masoud

Affiliations

Hakim Sabzevari Univ, Dept Architecture & Urbanism, Sabzevar, Iran - Author
Univ Rovira & Virgili, Dept Engn Quim, Av Paisos Catalans 26, Tarragona 43007, Spain - Author

Abstract

Serious concerns have arisen regarding the depletion of groundwater aquifers and water shortage, particularly in the Middle East. The utilization of qanat, subterranean tunnel-wells, may serve as a solution to addressing water scarcity and present targeted strategies toward sustainable groundwater management. This research presents an analysis of the spatial distribution of active qanats in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, considering the annual rainfall rate, the elevation from sea level, water stress risks, and groundwater table decline. It aims to identify the qanat sites that may be maintained and utilized. The findings reveal distinct geographical clusters of qanats, with a concentration in mountainous regions characterized by consistently high elevations ranging from 1500 to 2500 m above sea level and annual rainfall rates between 200 and 300 mm. In contrast, a more sporadic presence is observed in low-lying plains with elevations ranging from sea level to 1000 m, where the annual rainfall ranges between 300 and 600 mm. Participation in the restoration, maintenance, and utilization of qanats in regions facing high water stress and the risk of groundwater table decline, such as the central plateau of Iran, may offer a sustainable solution to water risk challenges.

Keywords

Geographic information system (gis)Groundwater managementIranIrrigationMiddle eastQanats distributionStressSustainabilityWaterWater stress risk

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Journal Of Arid Environments due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency Scopus (SJR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2024 there are still no calculated indicators, but in 2023, it was in position , thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Ecology.

Independientemente del impacto esperado determinado por el canal de difusión, es importante destacar el impacto real observado de la propia aportación.

Según las diferentes agencias de indexación, el número de citas acumuladas por esta publicación hasta la fecha 2025-07-17:

  • WoS: 2
  • Scopus: 2

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-07-17:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 8 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.

    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: Iran.

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: Last Author (Norouzi, Masoud).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Norouzi, Masoud.