Improved integrated water resource modelling by combining DPSIR and system dynamics conceptual modelling techniques

Fateme Zare; Sondoss Elsawah; Ali Bagheri; Ehsan Nabavi; Anthony J Jakeman

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.05.033

Improved integrated water resource modelling by combining DPSIR and system dynamics conceptual modelling techniques

J Environ Manage. 2019 Sep 15:246:27-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.05.033. Epub 2019 Jun 6.

Authors

Fateme Zare¹, Sondoss Elsawah², Ali Bagheri³, Ehsan Nabavi⁴, Anthony J Jakeman⁵

Affiliations

¹ Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Postal Address: Room C112, Robertson Building (46), Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Department of Water Resources Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, Postal Address: Box 14115-336, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: fateme.zare@anu.edu.au.
² Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Postal Address: Room C112, Robertson Building (46), Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Capability Systems Centre, University of New South Wales Canberra, Postal Address: Capability Systems Centre, UNSW Canberra @ ADFA, Ground Floor, Building 21, Northcott Drive, CANBERRA, ACT, 2600, Australia. Electronic address: s.elsawah@unsw.edu.au.
³ Department of Water Resources Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, Postal Address: Box 14115-336, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: ali.bagheri@modares.ac.ir.
⁴ Centre for European Studies, School of Politics and International Relations, The Australian National University (ANU), 1 Liversidge St, Acton ACT, 2601, Australia. Electronic address: Ehsan.Nabavi@anu.edu.au.
⁵ Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Postal Address: Room C114, Robertson Building (46), Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia. Electronic address: Tony.Jakeman@anu.edu.au.

PMID: 31176986
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.05.033

Abstract

Similar to any modelling technique, system dynamics (SD) modelling should start with the essential step of scoping and identifying the problem of interest before further analysis and modelling. In practice, this first step is a challenging task, especially when wicked issues such as water management are being addressed. There is still a vital need for modelling methods and tools that can support modellers to identify and assemble essential data to inform problem scoping and boundary setting. This article aims to narrow this gap by presenting a methodology for combining a series of conceptual modelling techniques (extending the usually linear Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework with causal loop diagrams, system archetypes, stock and flow diagrams) towards the development of a quantitative SD model. A case study of the Gorganroud-Gharesu Basin, in Iran, is used to illustrate the benefits of the methodology. Our experience shows that combining multiple conceptual models provides complementary insights into the problem boundaries and model structure, as a basis for developing the SD model.

Keywords: DPSIR; Gorganroud-gharesu basin; Integrated water resources assessment; System dynamics.

MeSH terms

Iran
Models, Theoretical*
Water
Water Resources*

Substances

Water