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Author Weerahewa, J.; Timsina, J.; Wickramasinghe, C.; Mimasha, S.; Dayananda, D.; Puspakumara, G. url  openurl
  Title Ancient irrigation systems in Asia and Africa: Typologies, degradation and ecosystem services Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 205 Issue Pages 103580  
  Keywords Agriculture, Climate change, Hydrology, Village tank cascade system, Tank irrigation, Watershed  
  Abstract CONTEXT Ancient irrigation systems (AISs) have been providing a multitude of ecosystem services to rural farming and urban communities in Asia and Africa, especially in arid and semi-arid climatic areas with low rainfall. Many AISs, however have now been degraded. A systematic analysis of AISs on their typologies, causes of degradation, and their ecosystem services is lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to synthesize the knowledge on AISs on their typologies, status and causes of degradation, ecosystem services and functions, and identify gaps in research in Asia and Africa. METHOD A critical review of peer-reviewed journal papers, conference and workshop proceedings, book chapters, grey literature, and country reports was conducted. Qualitative and quantitative information from journal papers were used to conceptualize the typologies and analyze the status and causes of degradation, and ecosystems services and functions provided by the AISs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Based on the review, we classified AISs into three groups by source of irrigation water: Rainwater harvesting system (RHS) with small reservoirs, ground water based system, and floodwater based system. The RHSs, which used to receive reliable rainfall and managed by well cohesive social organizations for their maintenance and functioning in past, have now been silting due to extreme rainfall pattern and breakdown of the cohesive organizations in recent decades. In ground water based systems, indiscriminate development of deep tube wells causing siltation of channels has been a major challenge. In floodwater irrigation systems, irregular rainfall in the highlands and the breakage of irrigation structures by destructive floods were the main causes of degradation. Lack of maintenance and increased soil erosion, inadequate skilled manpower, and declining support from the government for repair and maintenance were the main causes of degradation of all AISs. The main ecosystem service provided by all AISs is water for agriculture. In tank- and pond-based systems, fish farming is also practiced. Tank irrigation systems provide various types of provisioning, regulatory, cultural and supporting services, especially in India and Sri Lanka. Ground water based systems provide water for domestic purposes and various cultural services. Floodwater based systems provide water for power generation and wildlife habitat maintenance and help in flood control. SIGNIFICANCE The knowledge generated through the review provide evidence-based information, and help aware governments, private sectors and development agencies for improved policy planning and decision making, and prioritizing the restoration, rehabilitation, and management of various AISs.  
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  ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Weerahewa2023103580 Serial 275  
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Author Zhang, Y.; Liu, X.; Yuan, S.; Song, J.; Chen, W.; Dias, D. url  openurl
  Title A two-dimensional experimental study of active progressive failure of deeply buried Qanat tunnels in sandy ground Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Soils and Foundations Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 63 Issue 3 Pages 101323  
  Keywords Qanat tunnel, Sand, Failure effect, Soil arching, Model test  
  Abstract As an ancient underground hydraulic engineering facility, the Qanat system has been used to draw groundwater from arid regions. A qanat is a horizontal tunnel with a slight incline that draws groundwater from a higher location and delivers it to lower agricultural land. During long-term water delivery, the qanat tunnel has experienced different degrees of aging and collapse, which may result in the significant ground settlement and even disasters. This paper developed a two-dimensional laboratory system to investigate the influence of progressive failure on the stability of deeply buried qanat tunnels. The developed system is fully instrumented with a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system and earth pressure and displacement monitoring. A special cylindrical membrane tube is designed and connected to an advanced pressure–volume controller to simulate the step-wise failure process of the tunnel. Three model tests were conducted on a dry sand considering the buried qanat tunnels at three different depths. Experimental results clearly show the progressive evolution of soil arching effect in the dry sand associated with the progressive failure of the tunnels. The failure of the Qanat ground starts from the vault and develops upwards, which is closely related to the evolution of stress contour at three consecutive stages. Ground surface settlement and volume loss corresponding to three burial depths were compared. A deeply buried qanat tunnel has a small effect on surface settlement. Earth pressure evolution on the 2D plane shows the load redistribution when the qanat collapses. The maximum arch and the initial point of the limit state correspond to a volume loss of 12.5 % and 50 %, respectively. For the collapse of the deep buried qanat tunnel, ground earth pressure evolution can be divided into a stress-increasing region, stress-decreasing region, and no redistribution region. Furthermore, a multi trap-door model considering soil expansion is proposed to describe the progressive failure behavior and its effects.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0038-0806 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Zhang2023101323 Serial 274  
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Author Abadi, B.; Sadeghfam, S.; Ehsanitabar, A.; Nadiri, A.A. url  openurl
  Title Investigating socio-economic and hydrological sustainability of ancient Qanat water systems in arid regions of central Iran Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Groundwater for Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 23 Issue Pages 100988  
  Keywords Ancient irrigation, QWSs, GIS, Indigenous knowledge, Maintenance, Distribution  
  Abstract The Qanat water systems (QWSs), the ancient water engineering systems in Iran belonging to the very distant past, have harvested groundwater from drainages to convey it toward the surface with no use of energy. The present article highlights the socio-economic aspects of the sustainability of the QWSs and gives a satisfactory explanation of why the QWSs should be restored. In doing so, we subscribe to the view that indigenous and scientific knowledge should be incorporated. The former serves to tackle the restoration of the QWSs, the latter contributes to the distribution of water into the farmlands as efficiently as possible. Measured by (a) resilience, (b) reliability, (c) vulnerability, and (d) sustainability, the GIS technique made clear the performance of the QWSs has, therefore, the worst condition observed in terms of resiliency; the best condition observed concerning the vulnerability. Moreover, the QWSs have intermediate performance in terms of reliability. Finally, the sustainability index (SI) classifies the QWSs into different bands, which provide explicit support to take priority of the selection of the QWSs for restoration. In conclusion, a theoretical framework has been drawn to keep the QWSs sustainable.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2352-801x ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Abadi2023100988 Serial 268  
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Author Mekuria, W.; Tegegne, D. url  isbn
openurl 
  Title Water harvesting Type Book Chapter
  Year 2023 Publication Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment (Second Edition) Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 593-607  
  Keywords Climate change, Ecosystem services, Environmental benefits, Population growth, Resilient community, Resilient environment, Socio-economic benefits, Urbanizations, Water harvesting, Water quality, Water security  
  Abstract Water harvesting is the intentional collection and concentration of rainwater and runoff to offset irrigation demands. Secondary benefits include decreased flood and erosion risk. Water harvesting techniques include micro- and macro-catchment systems, floodwater harvesting, and rooftop and groundwater harvesting. The techniques vary with catchment type and size, and the method of water storage. Micro-catchment water harvesting, for example, requires the development of small structures and targets increased water delivery and storage to the root zone whereas macro-catchment systems collect runoff water from large areas. The sustainability of water harvesting techniques at the local level are usually constrained by several factors such as labor, construction costs, loss of productive land, and maintenance, suggesting that multiple solutions are required to sustain the benefits of water harvesting techniques.  
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  Publisher Academic Press Place of Publication Oxford Editor Goss, M.J.; Oliver, M.  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-0-323-95133-3 Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Mekuria2023593 Serial 265  
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Author Hayes-Rich, E.; Levy, J.; Hayes-Rich, N.; Lightfoot, D.; Gauthier, Y. url  openurl
  Title Searching for hidden waters: The effectiveness of remote sensing in assessing the distribution and status of a traditional, earthen irrigation system (khettara) in Morocco Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 51 Issue Pages 104175  
  Keywords Remote sensing, Satellite imagery, , Morocco, Traditional irrigation, Archaeology, Water management  
  Abstract This paper presents the results of a multi-year, interdisciplinary project that aimed to assess the holistic status of the khettara system in Morocco. The khettara (also known as qanat) is a traditional, earthen water management system. Historically the system was used for settlement in regions without access to reliable surface water. It is both a world and local heritage structure, found in rural and urban regions throughout 46 countries. Recent evaluations of this traditional system have advocated for its preservation and use in arid and semi-arid regions, as modern technologies (pump wells, industrial dams, drip irrigation, etc.) have proven to be unsustainable. This project evaluates remote sensing as a tool for assessing the distribution and status of the khettara in Morocco. The results of this project demonstrate that (1) the khettara system played a large role in the historic settlement of arid and semi-arid regions, and (2) the system continues to be an important part of agriculture and life in many oases across Morocco.  
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  ISSN 2352-409x ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Hayesrich2023104175 Serial 256  
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Author Timsina, J.; Weerahewa, J. url  openurl
  Title Restoring ancient irrigation systems for sustainable agro-ecosystems development: Reflections on the special issue Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 209 Issue Pages 103668  
  Keywords Ancient irrigation systems, Degradation, Sustainability, Sri Lanka  
  Abstract Humans have relied on agriculture to feed their communities for thousands of years. Irrigation is practiced in many different forms over the years in countries all over the world. Although modern irrigation systems have been developed, and are in use in many countries, ancient irrigation systems (AISs) have also played a major role in sustaining food production, especially in smallholder farming in least developed and developing countries. The editorial team of Agricultural Systems put out a call for a special issue on restoring AISs for sustainable agro-ecosystems development to capture ancient marvels of traditional irrigation technology across the world. The objectives of this special issue were to: (i) understand and analyse the hydrological and socio-economic networks anchored by AISs; (ii) explain the nature and sustainability of management of these systems in relation to local agro-ecosystems; (iii) analyse the implications of the AISs for land, soil and water quality, and agro-ecosystem services; (iv) qualitative and quantitative analysis of AISs, including bio-physical and bio-economic modelling of these systems; and (v) assess the feasibility of alternative technological, institutional and management strategies to enhance the productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability of the systems. The overall goal of the special issue was to develop a useful repository for this information as well as to use the journal’s international reach to share this information with the agricultural systems research community and journal readership. This paper provides reflections of papers published in the special issue. The special issue resulted in twelve high quality original research articles and one review article from Asia, Africa and Europe. The findings from various papers revealed that the AISs have been degraded due to human interventions or the anthropogenic activities across the world. Various papers emphasized that as a corrective measure, there is a need for developing and implementing rehabilitation projects in these systems. Authors identified that appropriate policy interventions by the relevant authorities would be a major step towards such rehabilitation process. However, resetting the ecosystem structure of the AISs strictly towards their historical manifestation is neither required nor feasible in the present context as it would contradict the expectations of stakeholders from these systems. The knowledge generated through the special issue provides evidence-based information on various aspects of AISs. It helps aware governments, private sectors and development agencies for improved policy planning and decision making and for prioritizing the restoration, rehabilitation, and management of various AISs around the world.  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Timsina2023103668 Serial 255  
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Author Zaeri, A.; Mohammadi, Z.; Rezanezhad, F. url  openurl
  Title Determining the source and mechanism of river salinity: An integrated regional study Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 47 Issue Pages 101411  
  Keywords River salinity, Salinization mechanism, Isotope, Halite brine, River sinuosity  
  Abstract Study region Zohreh River Basin, Southwest Iran Study focus The salinity of Zohreh River sharply increases in three salinity zones (SZs) along the river named SZ1, SZ2 (the focus of this study), and SZ3. Determining the salinity sources and salinization mechanism using an integrated approach including geological, hydrochemical, isotopic, geophysical, river sinuosity and hydrocarbon analysis are the main objectives of this study. The study focuses on the combination of evidence of regional-scale (i.e., river sinuosity and seismic data) and small-scale (i.e., drilling core analysis). New hydrologic insights for the region Among several known sources of river salinity, it was found that the water quality of the Zohreh River is mainly threatened by the salt-bearing Gachsaran Formation and oil-field brine. It is concluded that halite brine and oil-field brine simultaneously cause the salinization in SZ2, and their contributions were delineated to be 95% and 5%, respectively. The lack of reliable geological evidence to support halite dissolution in surficial layers by circulating waters suggests the possibility of a deep source of halite brine in SZ2. The results revealed that deep halite brine of the salt layers of Gachsaran Formation is mainly responsible for the salinization of SZ2. The mechanism of deep brine penetration to the river through the hidden fault failures detected by the combination of river sinuosity analysis and geophysical data for the first time.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2214-5818 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Zaeri2023101411 Serial 251  
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Author Johnson, R.S.H.; Alila, Y. url  openurl
  Title Nonstationary stochastic paired watershed approach: Investigating forest harvesting effects on floods in two large, nested, and snow-dominated watersheds in British Columbia, Canada Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 625 Issue Pages 129970  
  Keywords Probabilistic physics, Forest hydrology, Attribution science, Flood Frequency Analysis, Stochastic hydrology, Nonstationarity  
  Abstract Drawing on advances in nonstationary frequency analysis and the science of causation and attribution, this study employs a newly developed nonstationary stochastic paired watershed approach to determine the effect of forest harvesting on snowmelt-generated floods. Moreover, this study furthers the application of stochastic physics to evaluate the environmental controls and drivers of flood response. Physically-based climate and time-varying harvesting data are used as covariates to drive the nonstationary flood frequency distribution parameters to detect, attribute, and quantify the effect of harvesting on floods in the snow-dominated Deadman River (878 km2) and nested Joe Ross Creek (99 km2) watersheds. Harvesting only 21% of the watershed caused a 38% and 84% increase in the mean but no increase in variability around the mean of the frequency distribution in the Deadman River and Joe Ross Creek, respectively. Consequently, the 7-year, 20-year, 50-year, and 100-year flood events became approximately two, four, six, and ten times more frequent in both watersheds. An increase in the mean is posited to occur from an increase in moisture availability following harvest from suppressed snow interception and increased net radiation reaching the snowpack. Variability was not increased because snowmelt synchronization was inhibited by the buffering capacity of abundant lakes, evenly distributed aspects, and widespread spatial distribution of cutblocks in the watersheds, preventing any potential for harvesting to increase the efficiency of runoff delivery to the outlet. Consistent with similar recent studies, the effect of logging on floods is controlled not only by the harvest rate but most importantly the physiographic characteristics of the watershed and the spatial distribution of the cutblocks. Imposed by the probabilistic framework to understanding and predicting the relation between extremes and their environmental controls, commonly used in the general sciences but not forest hydrology, it is the inherent nature of snowmelt-driven flood regimes which cause even modest increases in magnitude, especially in the upper tail of the distribution, to translate into surprisingly large changes in frequency. Contrary to conventional wisdom, harvesting influenced small, medium, and very large flood events, and the sensitivity to harvest increased with increasing flood event size and watershed area.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Johnson2023129970 Serial 245  
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Author Soh, Q.Y.; O’Dwyer, E.; Acha, S.; Shah, N. url  openurl
  Title Robust optimisation of combined rainwater harvesting and flood mitigation systems Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 245 Issue Pages 120532  
  Keywords Rainwater harvesting, Flood mitigation, Robust stochastic optimisation, Sustainable environmental engineering, Decision tool, Urban residential estates  
  Abstract Combined large-scale rainwater harvesting (RWH) and flood mitigation systems are promising as a sustainable water management strategy in urban areas. These are multi-purpose infrastructure that not only provide a secondary, localised water resource, but can also reduce discharge and hence loads on any downstream wastewater networks if these are integrated into the wider water network. However, the performance of these systems is dependent on the specific design used for its local catchment which can vary significantly between different implementations. A multitude of design strategies exist, however there is no universally accepted standard framework. To tackle these issues, this paper presents a two-player optimisation framework which utilises a stochastic design optimisation model and a competing, high-intensity rainfall design model to optimise passively-operated RWH systems. A customisable tool set is provided, under which optimisation models specific to a given catchment can be built quickly. This reduces the barriers to implementing computationally complex sizing strategies and encouraging more resource-efficient systems to be built. The framework was applied to a densely populated high-rise residential estate, eliminating overflow events from historical rainfall. The optimised configuration resulted in a 32% increase in harvested water yield, but its ability to meet irrigation demands was limited by the operational levels of the treatment pump. Hence, with the inclusion of operational levels in the optimisation model, the framework can provide an efficient large-scale RWH system that is capable of simultaneously meeting water demands and reducing stresses within and beyond its local catchment.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Soh2023120532 Serial 243  
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Author Hdeib, R.; Aouad, M. url  openurl
  Title Rainwater harvesting systems: An urban flood risk mitigation measure in arid areas Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Water Science and Engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 16 Issue 3 Pages 219-225  
  Keywords Rainwater harvesting, Urban floods, Flood map, Hydrodynamic model, Built environment, Arid areas  
  Abstract Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have been developed to compensate for shortage in the water supply worldwide. Such systems are not very common in arid areas, particularly in the Gulf Region, due to the scarcity of rainfall and their reduced efficiency in covering water demand and reducing water consumption rates. In spite of this, RWH systems have the potential to reduce urban flood risks, particularly in densely populated areas. This study aimed to assess the potential use of RWH systems as urban flood mitigation measures in arid areas. Their utility in the retention of stormwater runoff and the reduction of water depth and extent were evaluated. The study was conducted in a residential area in Bahrain that experienced waterlogging after heavy rainfall events. The water demand patterns of housing units were analyzed, and the daily water balance for RWH tanks was evaluated. The effect of the implementation of RWH systems on the flood volume was evaluated with a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model. Flood simulations were conducted in several rainfall scenarios with different probabilities of occurrence. The results showed significant reductions in the flood depth and flood extent, but these effects were highly dependent on the rainfall intensity of the event. RWH systems are effective flood mitigation measures, particularly in urban arid regions short of proper stormwater control infrastructure, and they enhance the resilience of the built environment to urban floods.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1674-2370 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Hdeib2023219 Serial 242  
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