Numerical Studies on the Control of Saltwater Intrusion at the Estuary Area of the Sand River, China

The management of coastal aquifer is a hot topic in many areas of the world. Using FEFLOW, a three-dimensional finite-element groundwater flow and solute transport model, the response of the groundwater system on the impact of tide-influenced river system at the estuary area of the Sand River was simulated. The model was well calibrated. The results showed that, there was a significant influence of tide on the area of pollute plume. Both the dam and hydraulic control can effectively reduce the degree of saltwater intrusion. It is suggested that the interaction between tide-induced river and the groundwater system in coastal areas should be carefully noticed.