Abstract
In coastal region, tide takes an important role to affect the dynamics of the groundwater flow and saltwater transport. To analyze tidal effects on groundwater flow and saltwater transport in the unconfined coastal aquifer of Donghai Island, we develop a two-dimensional, finite-difference groundwater model. The model which is based on density-dependent fluid flow theory considers dynamic tidal boundary conditions and sloping beach surface. We simulated groundwater flow and the salt concentration distribution which forms the salt wedge in the coastal aquifer, as well as analyzed the dynamic characteristics of the groundwater flow and the salt concentration distribution during the flood-and-ebb process. Simulations indicate that fluid velocity in freshwater is greater than that in saltwater. Velocity decreases with depth, but increases along the freshwater-saltwater interface or dispersion zone in the coastal aquifer. Tidal action drives seawater recirculation through the intertidal beach zone, thereby creating an upper saline plume in the aquifer. And the water table in the upper saline plume area is higher than that in the freshwater area.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ataie-Ashtiani, B., Volker, R., & Lockington, D. (1999). Tidal effects on sea water intrusion in unconfined aquifers. J Hydrol, 216, 17–31.
Guo W, Langevin C (2002) User’s guide to SEAWAT: a computer program for simulation of three-dimensional variable-density groundwater flow. In: U.S. geological survey techniques of water-resources investigations, Florida
Narayan, K., Schleeberger, C., & Bristow, K. (2007). Modelling seawater intrusion in the Burdekin Delta Irrigation Area, North Queensland, Australia. Agricultural Water Management, 89, 217–228.
Ranganathan, V., & Hanor, J. (1988). Density-driven groundwater flow near salt domes. Chem Geol, 74, 173–188.
Robinson, C., Li, L., & Barry, D. (2007). Effect of tidal forcing on a subterranean estuary. Adv Water Res, 30, 851–865.
Robinson, C., Brovelli, A., Barry, D., et al. (2009). Tidal influence on BTEX biodegradation in sandy coastal aquifers. Adv Water Res, 32, 16–28.
Yakirevich, A., Melloul, A., Sorek, S., et al. (1998). Simulation of seawater intrusion into the Khan Yunis area of the Gaza Strip coastal aquifer. Hydrogeol J, 6, 549–559.
Zhang, Q. (2005). An experimental study of seawater intrusion. Hydrogeol Eng Geol, 4, 43–47.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Zhou, P.P., Li, G.M., Li, M., Dong, Y.H. (2013). Numerical Modeling of Tidal Effects on Groundwater in the Coastal Aquifer of Donghai Island. In: Huang, Y., Wu, F., Shi, Z., Ye, B. (eds) New Frontiers in Engineering Geology and the Environment. Springer Geology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31671-5_21
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31671-5_21
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-31670-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-31671-5
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)