TITLE:
Effect of Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Withdrawal on Seawater Intrusion in the Gulf Coast Aquifer: Implications for Agriculture
AUTHORS:
Faye Anderson, Najla Al-Thani
KEYWORDS:
Sea Level Rise, Groundwater, Gulf Coast Aquifer, Coastal Vulnerability, Rerouting
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.4 No.4,
April
28,
2016
ABSTRACT: The two
main factors contributing to depletion of freshwater resources are climate
change and anthropological variables. This study presents statistical analyses
that are local in its specifics yet global in its relevance. The decline in
Gulf Coast aquifer water quality and quantity has been alarming especially with
the increased demand on fresh water in neighboring non-coastal communities.
This study used seawater levels, groundwater use, and well data to investigate
the association of these factors on the salinity of water indicated by chloride
levels. Statistical analyses were conducted pointing to the high significance
of both sea water level and groundwater withdrawals to chloride concentrations.
However, groundwater withdrawal had higher significance which points to the
need of water management systems in order to limit groundwater use. The
findings also point to the great impact of increased groundwater salinity in
the Gulf Coast aquifer on agriculture and socioeconomic status of coastal
communities. The high costs of desalinization point to the increased
signification of water rerouting and groundwater management systems. Further
investigation and actions are in dire need to manage these vulnerabilities of
the coastal communities.