Modeling preferential zone-regulated freshwater-saltwater mixing zone

Y. Q. Xia, M. C. Boufadel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The freshwater-saltwater mixing zone is of great importance in the study of the land-ocean interaction processes and coastal groundwater environments. This paper considers a coastal multilayered system which consists of an unconfined aquifer and a confined aquifer with an aquitard between them. The aquitard is assumed to have a breached zone (preferential zone). 2D density-dependent numerical simulations with the MARUN code were conduced to explore effects of the preferential zone on the movements of the freshwater-saltwater mixing zone. The results show that an inland preferential zone caused the freshwater-saltwater mixing zone in the confined aquifer to move landward, and induced seawater upcoming around the zone. An intertidal preferential zone caused the freshwater-saltwater mixing zone in the confined aquifer to move close to the preferential zone, while an offshore preferential zone would enhance the water exchange in the system. The findings provide insights into the management of coastal environment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationModelling and Computation in Engineering
PublisherCRC Press
Pages79-84
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780203829851
ISBN (Print)9780415615167
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2010
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modeling preferential zone-regulated freshwater-saltwater mixing zone'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this