A modeling study of saltwater intrusion in the Andarax delta area using multiple data sources

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearch

  • Arni Valur Antonsson
  • Peter Knudegaard Engesgaard
  • Sara Jorreto
  • Antonio Pulido-Bosch

In groundwater model development, construction of the conceptual model is one of the (initial and) critical aspects that determines the model reliability and applicability in terms of e.g. system (hydrogeological) understanding, groundwater quality predictions, and general use in water resources context. The validity of a conceptual model is determined by different factors, where both data quantity and quality is of crucial importance. Often, when dealing with saltwater intrusion, data is limited. Therefore, using different sources (and types) of data can be beneficial and increase the understanding of the investigated system.

A density dependent saltwater intrusion model has been established for the coastal zone of the Andarax aquifer, SE Spain, with the aim of obtaining a coherent (conceptual) understanding of the area. Recently drilled deep boreholes in  the Andarax delta revealed a far reaching saltwater intrusion in the area. Furthermore, the geological information obtained from these boreholes laid a foundation for a new hydrogeological conceptual model of the area, which we aim to assess in this simulation study.Appraisal of the conceptual model of the Andarax delta area is conducted using different types of data that have been gathered and analyzed; these include measurements of hydraulic head, salinity (EC), geochemistry and electrical resistivity. The approach here has been to construct a saltwater intrusion model of the area with the aim of obtaining a model that is reasonably consistent in terms of all the available data types. This study shows the added value of using different types of data as well as some of the limitations and pitfalls it can have.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2007
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 2007
EventTIAC07,  III International Symposium on Technology of Seawater Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers,  II International Symposium on Coastal Aquifers and Desalination Plants - Almeria, Spain
Duration: 16 Oct 200719 Oct 2007

Conference

ConferenceTIAC07,  III International Symposium on Technology of Seawater Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers,  II International Symposium on Coastal Aquifers and Desalination Plants
CountrySpain
CityAlmeria
Period16/10/200719/10/2007

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Science - modelling, coastal aquifer, density-dependent flow, saltwater intrusion

ID: 1830554