A density-dependent numerical model was set up to quantify the actual and future (2050) salinization of a coastal aquifer in the Po Delta (Italy). SEAWAT 4.0 was used for this purpose, while PEST was used for automatic inverse parameter calibration. The use of high-resolution multi-level sampling allowed obtaining insights in the salinity stratification within the aquifer and on the vertical fluxes induced by the reclamation drainage network. The calibrated model was employed to build up a scenario investigating the effects of the projected relative sea level rise on groundwater salinity by 2050. This scenario allowed to identify the zones that resulted more affected by the relative sea level rise and to quantify the increase in salinization of groundwater, the salt loads export towards surface waters and the changing volumes of freshwater. Results show that the Po Delta will experience a significant salinization by 2050 and that the major cause is autonomous salinization via seepage of saline groundwater rather than enhanced seawater intrusion due to sea level rise.

Impact of Climate Change on Salinization of Coastal Water Resources

Colombani, N.
Primo
;
2016

Abstract

A density-dependent numerical model was set up to quantify the actual and future (2050) salinization of a coastal aquifer in the Po Delta (Italy). SEAWAT 4.0 was used for this purpose, while PEST was used for automatic inverse parameter calibration. The use of high-resolution multi-level sampling allowed obtaining insights in the salinity stratification within the aquifer and on the vertical fluxes induced by the reclamation drainage network. The calibrated model was employed to build up a scenario investigating the effects of the projected relative sea level rise on groundwater salinity by 2050. This scenario allowed to identify the zones that resulted more affected by the relative sea level rise and to quantify the increase in salinization of groundwater, the salt loads export towards surface waters and the changing volumes of freshwater. Results show that the Po Delta will experience a significant salinization by 2050 and that the major cause is autonomous salinization via seepage of saline groundwater rather than enhanced seawater intrusion due to sea level rise.
2016
Colombani, N.; Osti, A.; Volta, G.; Mastrocicco, M.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
s11269-016-1292-z.pdf

solo gestori archivio

Descrizione: versione editoriale
Tipologia: Full text (versione editoriale)
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 776.6 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
776.6 kB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11392/2502341
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 80
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 74
social impact