What is meant by saltwater intrusion?
Saltwater intrusion is a natural process that occurs in virtually all coastal aquifers. It consists in salt water (from the sea) flowing inland in freshwater aquifers. This behavior is caused by the fact that sea water has a higher density (which is because it carries more solutes) than freshwater.
What is an example of saltwater intrusion?
Probably the most well-studied example of saltwater intrusion occurs in south Florida, where development combined with highly irregular precipitation patterns have stressed local aquifers. The Biscayne aquifer is the main source of drinking water in the Miami metropolitan area.
What are main reasons for saltwater intrusion?
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 the effects of saltwater intrusion?
Saltwater intrusion can result in the need for water utilities to increase treatment, relocate water intakes, or development of alternate sources of fresh water. Saltwater intrusion, through surface or ground water sources, may diminish the availability or quality of source waters for drinking water utilities.
What is salt water erosion?
Saltwater Inundation/Intrusion. Saltwater from oceans can move inland, encroaching on freshwater systems and habitats. This can be a major driver of erosion and coastal habitat destruction.
How can we prevent saltwater intrusion?
Best management practices in areas at high risk of saltwater intrusion: Well drilling: Well siting: Avoid drilling in locations immediately adjacent to the coast e.g. within 50 m. Well depth: Avoid drilling excessively deep within areas proximal to the coast.
How does saltwater intrusion affect plants?
In general, scientists think that saltwater intrusion decreases the ability of wetlands to store carbon, says Ardón-Sayao. It can kill plants, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
How does water intrusion occur?
Safeopedia Explains Saltwater Intrusion Saltwater intrusion happens when there are two different densities in the fresh water aquifer and the saltwater from the sea and this allows the ocean’s water to intrude into the fresh water aquifer through the ground.
How can we prevent sea water intrusion?
To prevent saltwater intrusion, some of the rules for well operation should be followed:
- Reduce water use.
- Reduce pump depth.
- Pump less water more frequently.
- Coordinate the pumping in a multi-well system so it is not simultaneous.
What is saltwater intrusion and why is it a problem?
Saltwater intrusion, the technical name for the problem, occurs when too much groundwater is pumped from coastal aquifers, thereby upsetting the subterranean balance between inland freshwater and the relentless ocean. Water moves through the ground as it does in rivers: from high elevation to low.
How does saltwater intrusion cause land loss?
Salt water intrusion However, they connect the inland, freshwater wetlands with the Gulf of Mexico . This increases the salinity of the freshwater areas causing vegetation deterioration and land loss.
Where does saltwater intrusion occur?
coastal aquifers
Saltwater intrusion can naturally occur in coastal aquifers, owing to the hydraulic connection between groundwater and seawater. Because saline water has a higher mineral content than freshwater, it is denser and has a higher water pressure. As a result, saltwater can push inland beneath the freshwater.