Author(s): Areas; Namsik Park; Lei Cui
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: In this paper we propose a simple, but realistic method, in the form of design curves, to estimate potential groundwater resources for development via pumping wells from coastal aquifers. The method is based on the analytical solution for freshwater-saltwater interface problem developed by Strack (1976) and later extended by Cheng et al. (2000). Groundwater developments in coastal areas will induce saltwater intrusion which may contaminate the well exceeding the water quality criterion on the chloride. Therefore, the extent of the intrusion is one of the major concerns in groundwater development. The design curves proposed herein can be used to determine the pumping rate that would limit the intrusion at the prescribed location. In addition to the allowable intrusion location, the pumping rate depends on the intrusion prior to pumping and the number of wells. The design curves are derived assuming a set of simplifying conditions on hydrogeology and placements of pumping wells. For a given predevelopment toe location and the number of pumping wells the pumping rate increases as more intrusion is allowed. However, the increase in the pumping rate is limited by the critical point. In other words, for the given set of conditions, there exists a maximum pumping rate. Accordingly the maximum allowable intrusion length is also limited; specification of intrusion beyond the critical point is not possible without contaminating pumping wells. Although the equation for the pumping rate contains the information regarding the critical points, it is implicit and not evident. When the equation is presented in the form of design curves, the critical points and the maximum pumping rates are clearly shown. The design curves allow quick assessment of the potential ground water resources with readily available hydro geologic data
Year: 2007