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Simulation of freshwater-saltwater interfaces in the Brooklyn-Queens aquifer system, Long Island, New York

Water-Resources Investigations Report 98-4067
Prepared in cooperation with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri984067

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Abstract

The seaward limit of the fresh ground-water system underlying Kings and Queens Counties on Long Island, N.Y., is at the freshwater-saltwater transition zone. This zone has been conceptualized in transient-state, three-dimensional models of the aquifer system as a sharp interface between freshwater and saltwater, and represented as a stationary, zero lateral-flow boundary. In this study, a pair of two-dimensional, four-layer ground-water flow models representing a generalized vertical section in Kings County and one in adjacent Queens County were developed to evaluate the validity of the boundary condition used in three-dimensional models of the aquifer system. The two-dimensional simulations used a model code that can simulate the movement of a sharp interface in response to transient stress. Sensitivity of interface movement to four factors was analyzed; these were (1) the method of simulating vertical leakage between freshwater and saltwater; (2) recharge at the normal rate, at 50-percent of the normal rate, and at zero for a prolonged (3-year) period; (3) high, medium, and low pumping rates; and (4) pumping from a hypothetical cluster of wells at two locations. Results indicate that the response of the interfaces to the magnitude and duration of pumping and the location of the hypothetical wells is probably sufficiently slow that the interfaces in three-dimensional models can reasonably be approximated as stationary, zero-lateral- flow boundaries.

Suggested Citation

Kontis, A.L., 1999, Simulation of freshwater-saltwater interfaces in the Brooklyn-Queens aquifer system, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 1998–4067, 26 p., https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/wri984067.

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Simulation of Freshwater-Saltwater Interfaces in Two Dimensions
  • Limitations and Assessment of Simulation Results
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Simulation of freshwater-saltwater interfaces in the Brooklyn-Queens aquifer system, Long Island, New York
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 98-4067
DOI 10.3133/wri984067
Year Published 1999
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description iv, 26 p.
Country United States
State New York
Other Geospatial Brooklyn-Queens Aquifer System, Long Island
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details