A multilayered sharp interface model of coupled freshwater and saltwater flow in coastal systems: model development and application

A quasi three-dimensional, finite difference model, that simulates freshwater and saltwater flow separated by a sharp interface, has been developed to study layered coastal aquifer systems. The model allows for regional simulation of coastal groundwater conditions, including the effects of saltwater...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water resources research 1990-07, Vol.26 (7), p.1431-1454
Main Author: Essaid, H.I. (U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA)
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AGUA DULCE
AGUA SALINA
AGUAS SUBTERRANEAS
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIE
COSTA
COTES
DEBIT
EAU DOUCE
EAU SALINE
EAU SOUTERRAINE
GASTO
HIDRODINAMICA
HYDRODYNAMIQUE
MODELE
MODELOS
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Summary:A quasi three-dimensional, finite difference model, that simulates freshwater and saltwater flow separated by a sharp interface, has been developed to study layered coastal aquifer systems. The model allows for regional simulation of coastal groundwater conditions, including the effects of saltwater dynamics on the freshwater system. Vertically integrated freshwater and saltwater flow equations incorporating the interface boundary condition are solved within each aquifer. Leakage through confining layers is calculated by Darcy's law, accounting for density differences across the layer. The locations of the interface tip and toe, within grid blocks, are tracked by linearly extrapolating the position of the interface. The model has been verified using available analytical solutions and experimental results. Application of the model to the Soquel-Aptos basin, Santa Cruz County. California, illustrates the use of the quasi three-dimensional, sharp interface approach for the examination of freshwater-saltwater dynamics in regional systems. Simulation suggests that the interface, today, is still responding to long-term Pleistocene sea level fluctuations and has not achieved equilibrium with present day sea level conditions
ISSN:0043-1397
1944-7973
DOI:10.1029/WR026i007p01431