Spatial characterization of the seawater upconing process in a coastal Mediterranean aquifer (Plana de Castellón, Spain): evolution and controls

  • Olga García-Menéndez
  • Ignacio Morell
  • Bruno J. Ballesteros
  • Arianna Renau-Pruñonosa
  • Alejandra Renau-Llorens
  • Mª Vicenta Esteller
Original Article
First Online:
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Accepted:

Abstract

In this contribution, we describe the formation and evolution of the upconing process in a Mediterranean coastal aquifer. The study area has experienced severe salinization over the last 40 years because of intensive exploitation of groundwater. We used historical and current records of piezometric levels and chloride concentrations to trace the development of the salinization of the aquifer. We defined the 3D shape of the saline wedge from the spatial distribution of chloride concentrations and vertical well logs of electrical conductivity using monitoring network data. Upconing first appeared in the early 90s and has continued until the present day. In this study, we examined the intensity of the upconing process. Dry periods and the associated increases in pumping caused the advance of seawater intrusion. The sharp reduction in groundwater withdrawals over the last 10 years has caused the saline wedge to move backwards, although the ongoing pumping and the climate conditions mean that this retreat is quite slow.

Keywords

Seawater intrusion Upconing Electrical conductivity vertical logs Plana Castellón aquifer 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

This study formed part of the project Facing seawater intrusion recharging coastal aquifers with regenerated water, financed by The Coca-Cola Foundation (Atlanta, USA), with the support of Coca-Cola Iberian Partners.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  • Olga García-Menéndez
    • 1
  • Ignacio Morell
    • 1
  • Bruno J. Ballesteros
    • 2
  • Arianna Renau-Pruñonosa
    • 1
  • Alejandra Renau-Llorens
    • 1
  • Mª Vicenta Esteller
    • 3
  1. 1.Coastal Aquifers Research Group, Research Institute for Pesticides and WaterUniversitat Jaume ICastellónSpain
  2. 2.Coastal Aquifers Research GroupGeological Survey of SpainValenciaSpain
  3. 3.Centro Interamericano de Recursos del Agua, Facultad de IngenieríaUniversidad Autónoma del Estado de MéxicoTolucaMexico

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