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Effect of an offshore sinkhole perforation in a coastal confined aquifer on submarine groundwater discharge

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Abstract

In order to explore submarine groundwater discharge in the vicinity of karst features that penetrate the confining layer of an offshore, partially confined aquifer, we constructed a three-dimensional groundwater model using the SUTRA (Saturated-Unsaturated TRAnsport) variable-density groundwater flow model. We ran a parameter sensitivity analysis, testing the effects of recharge rates, permeabilities of the aquifer and confining layer, and thickness of the confining layer. In all simulations, less than 20% of the freshwater recharge for the entire model exits through the sinkhole. Recirculated seawater usually accounts for 10-30% of the total outflow from the model. Often, the sinkhole lies seaward of the transition zone and acts as a recharge feature for recirculating seawater. The permeability ratio between aquifer and confining layer influences the configuration of the freshwater wedge the most; as confining layer permeability decreases, the wedge lengthens and the fraction of total discharge exiting through the sinkhole increases. Copyright ?? 2007 IAHS Press.
Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Effect of an offshore sinkhole perforation in a coastal confined aquifer on submarine groundwater discharge
ISBN 9781901502046
Issue 312
Year Published 2007
Language English
Larger Work Title IAHS-AISH Publication
First page 256
Last page 263
Conference Title International Symposium: A New Focus on Groundwater - Seawater Interactions - 24th General Assembly of the In
Conference Location Perugia
Conference Date 2 July 2007 through 13 July 2007
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