Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : The optimization of water resources in arid areas

Auteur : Al-awady, Mohamed Abdo,

Université de soutenance : University of Oklahoma

Grade : Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 1968

Résumé
The primary objective of this dissertation is to construct and test a mathematical model for water resources and conveyance for arid regions in which there are : 1. Different sources and alternate ways for conveyance to users, 2. Limited resources, 3. Projected needs for more facilities to meet increasing future demands. The usable resources of water will be affected by the means and cost of getting the water to wherever it is needed. A solution must be found to use all resources to achieve maximum returns. Another and equally important factor is to determine the best combination of resources, the most economical means of conveyance and the quantity of water required. This would make it possible to maximize the effectiveness and assure utmost economy. One of the tools recently associated with optimization techniques is linear programming. With the development of the simplex technique (Ficken, 1951) for solving linear programs, it is possible to find feasible solutions from which the optimum solution can be determined. The secondary objective is to demonstrate the optimization of a water resources model using the State of Kuwait as an example. The present water resources in Kuwait are : (1) distilled water ; (2) underground brackish water, and (3) underground sweet water (throughout this dissertation sweet water will be used synonomously with underground fresh water) ; (Witty, 1965) , The only means of water conveyance at present is by tank trucks (International Bank, 1965). The least cost combination of these resources can be obtained for domestic and non-domestic purposes as a function of several variables, e.g., source of water, population, quantity of water required, and means of conveyance . It is essential that all these variables and their interactions be well defined and their effect on water resources and uses be specified. The variables which will be considered are : (a) Population, its future needs and density within the water resources region, (b) The sources of water for domestic and non-domestic uses, (c) Quantity of waters for domestic and non-domestic uses, (d) Means of conveyance of water from different sources to consumers.

Présentation

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