干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Regions in arid and semi-arid countries that are used for agriculture are highly water-stressed and their water resources are often over-exploited. In this paper, we present the concept of simulation-based optimization for incorporating numerical simulation models into the integrated water resources management concept. To develop a new management system for agricultural coastal arid regions, we employ various methods, such as artificial neural networks, and strategies like the decomposition technique and surrogate modelling. This will make comprehensive numerical simulation models together with rigorous optimization useable for efficient and sustainable water resources management. The interaction of model components was tested within a coupled optimization model for the management of groundwater resources and agricultural water demand in a coastal plain in Oman. First results are presented, and prospects of using simulation-optimization methods for integrated water resources management are discussed.