Effects of sea-level rise on salt water intrusion near a coastal well field in southeastern Florida
A variable-density groundwater flow and dispersive solute transport model was developed for the shallow coastal aquifer system near a municipal supply well field in southeastern Florida. The model was calibrated for a 105-year period (1900 to 2005). An analysis with the model suggests that well-field withdrawals were the dominant cause of salt water intrusion near the well field, and that historical sea-level rise, which is similar to lower-bound projections of future sea-level rise, exacerbated the extent of salt water intrusion. Average 2005 hydrologic conditions were used for 100-year sensitivity simulations aimed at quantifying the effect of projected rises in sea level on fresh coastal groundwater resources near the well field. Use of average 2005 hydrologic conditions and a constant sea level result in total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of the well field exceeding drinking water standards after 70 years. When sea-level rise is included in the simulations, drinking water standards are exceeded 10 to 21 years earlier, depending on the specified rate of sea-level rise.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2013 |
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Title | Effects of sea-level rise on salt water intrusion near a coastal well field in southeastern Florida |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1745-6584.2012.01008.x |
Authors | Christian D. Langevin, Michael Zygnerski |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Ground Water |
Index ID | 70056049 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Florida Water Science Center-Ft. Lauderdale |