Modelling seawater intrusion in the Pingtung coastal aquifer in Taiwan, under the influence of sea-level rise and changing abstraction regime
Dibaj, M; Javadi, A; Akrami, M; et al.Ke, K-Y; Farmani, R; Tan, Y-C; Chen, A
Date: 23 May 2020
Article
Journal
Hydrogeology Journal
Publisher
Springer Verlag
Publisher DOI
Abstract
A three-dimensional variable-density finite element model was developed to study the
combined effects of overabstraction and seawater intrusion in the Pingtung Plain coastal
aquifer system in Taiwan. The model was generated in different layers to represent the three
aquifers and two aquitards. Twenty-five multilayer pumping wells ...
A three-dimensional variable-density finite element model was developed to study the
combined effects of overabstraction and seawater intrusion in the Pingtung Plain coastal
aquifer system in Taiwan. The model was generated in different layers to represent the three
aquifers and two aquitards. Twenty-five multilayer pumping wells were assigned to abstract
the groundwater, in addition to 95 observation wells to monitor the groundwater level. The
analysis was carried out for a period of 8 years (2008-2015 inclusive). Hydraulic head, soil
permeability, and precipitation were assigned as input data together with the pumping records
in different layers of the aquifer. The developed numerical model was calibrated against the
observed head archives and the calibrated model was used to predict the inland encroachment
of seawater in different layers of the aquifer. The effects of pumping rate, sea-level rise, and
relocation of wells on seawater intrusion were examined. The results show that all layers of the
aquifer system are affected by seawater intrusion; however, the lengths of inland encroachment
in the top and bottom aquifers are greater compared with the middle layer. This is the first
large-scale finite-element model of the Pingtung Plain, which can be used by decision-makers
for sustainable management of groundwater resources and cognizance of seawater intrusion in
coastal aquifers.
Engineering
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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