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Poelsbeek as a future proof area, considering both the droughts and wet periods
Frankema, Jelmer (2025) Poelsbeek as a future proof area, considering both the droughts and wet periods.
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| Abstract: | This report aims to develop a redesign strategy to prepare for both droughts and excess water by using groundwater levels as a guiding factor. The approach is applied to the pilot area of Poelsbeek and can potentially be replicated in other regions. By outlining a method to assess and adapt areas based on groundwater behavior, this research provides a framework for other, and potentially larger, applications. First, the current functioning of the Poelsbeek area was analyzed, identifying design weaknesses by determining threshold and optimal groundwater levels. These values were mapped against present groundwater depths to highlight vulnerable zones. The analysis was extended to include scenarios with increased and decreased groundwater levels due to climate change, allowing for a comparison between current and future vulnerabilities and emphasizing the need for redesign. Next, several interventions were assessed for their potential to influence groundwater levels. After applying these interventions and simulating new groundwater conditions, the same thresholds and optimal values were used to reassess area vulnerability. This revealed which zones remained furthest from their ideal groundwater conditions and which did not meet the required levels. The study concluded that land use significantly affects groundwater depth through its impact on evapotranspiration. Therefore, the most effective redesign combines changing agricultural land use, replacing crops with spinach and kale, and reducing the depth of the drainage pipe from 70 to 48 cm. This combined intervention provides the most promising results for climate-adaptive water management in the area of Poelsbeek. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering BSc (56952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106583 |
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