What is the cause of saltwater intrusion in groundwater?
What is the cause of saltwater intrusion in groundwater?
Generally, saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers is caused by two mechanisms: Lateral encroachment from the ocean due to excessive water withdrawals from coastal aquifers, or. Upward movement from deeper saline zones due to upconing near coastal discharge/pumping wells.
What are some issues facing the Floridan Aquifer?
But serious challenges to the Floridan aquifer are forcing residents to realize their water supply may be limited. Over-extraction, sea level rise, and an increasing risk of saltwater intrusion are all straining the aquifer’s resources.
Which aquifer is experiencing problems with saltwater intrusion?
Mediterranean coastal aquifers
Many coastal communities around the United States are experiencing saltwater contamination of water supply wells, and this problem has been seen for decades. Many Mediterranean coastal aquifers suffer for seawater intrusion effects.
Where do we typically see saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers?
Saltwater intrusion occurs when saltwater mixes with freshwater and contaminates well water. It is common in coastal areas. This happens when too many wells are drilled an the water pressure is lowered allowing the saltwater to move into the aquifer.
How does saltwater intrusion affect groundwater?
Groundwater pumping can reduce freshwater flow toward coastal areas and cause saltwater to be drawn toward the freshwater zones of the aquifer. Saltwater intrusion decreases freshwater storage in the aquifers, and, in extreme cases, can result in the abandonment of wells.
What is the geologic composition of the Floridan Aquifer?
The Floridan aquifer is a carbonate rock aquifer found throughout north Florida, and south through most of the peninsula. It consists mainly of limestone and dolostone layers that range from 50 to 20 million years old. Some layers are hundreds of feet thick.
Why is the Floridan Aquifer an important natural resource?
About 10 million people rely on groundwater from the Upper Floridan and surficial aquifers for drinking water. The Upper Floridan aquifer also is of primary importance to the region as a source of water for irrigation and as a source of crystal clear water that discharges to springs and streams …
Why is the Floridan Aquifer important?
The Floridan aquifer system provides water for several large cities, including Savannah and Brunswick in Georgia; and Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, and St. Petersburg in Florida. In addition, the aquifer system provides water for hundreds of thousands of people in smaller communities and rural areas.
How does saltwater intrusion result from coastal processes?
Sea level rise would cause salt water to intrude in surface and groundwater near the coast. Saltwater intrusion would require desalination of drinking water, or moving the water inlet upstream. Sea level rise would erode coastal wetlands, particularly if hard structures protect human occupations.
How would saltwater intrusion affect well water?
Saltwater intrusion decreases freshwater storage in the aquifers, and, in extreme cases, can result in the abandonment of wells. The intrusion of saltwater caused by withdrawals of freshwater from the groundwater system can make the resource unsuitable for use.
How does salt water intrusion take place?
Sea level rise would cause salt water to intrude in surface and groundwater near the coast. Saltwater intrusion would require desalination of drinking water, or moving the water inlet upstream.
How does saltwater intrusion take place?
Seawater intrusion is the movement of seawater into fresh water aquifers due to natural processes or human activities. Seawater intrusion is caused by decreases in groundwater levels or by rises in seawater levels. The salt water rises 40 feet for every 1 foot of freshwater depression and forms a cone of ascension.
