Saltwater dynamics due to cut-off wall installation in coastal unconfined aquifers: Experimental and numerical studies
Issue Date
1-2008
Abstract
In the construction of subsurface dams in coastal aquifers, investigations of the movement and removal of residual saltwater in the storage area are not usually carried out because of difficulties in monitoring. Experimental and numerical studies were thus performed to understand the saltwater dynamics due to the installation of cut-off walls. Experimental results for cut-off walls with opening on the upper part of the aquifer showed the initial advance, gradual retreat and attenuation, and complete removal of the residual saltwater. A shorter cut-off wall exhibited faster attenuation of residual saltwater than a higher cutoff wall. Numerical simulation using SEAWAT verified the experimental results. Flow patterns showed dispersed saltwater was carried by the freshwater discharge along the mixing zone and over the cut-off wall forming a circulation flow in the residual saltwater region, and eventually all the remaining saltwater in the storage area was flushed out. Numerical results also revealed a minimum cut-off wall height limit to achieve complete removal of the residual saltwater. For cut-off walls with opening on the lower part of the aquifer, experimental results showed that more effective attenuation of the saltwater wedge occurred with deeper cutoff wall penetration, which is in general agreement with numerical results. Copyright © 2008 IAHS Press.
Source or Periodical Title
IAHS-AISH Publication
ISSN
1447815
Page
214-219
Document Type
Article
Language
English
Subject
Coastal aquifer, Cut-off wall, Saltwater intrusion, SEAWAT, Subsurface dam
Recommended Citation
Luyun, Roger & Momii, K. & Nakagawa, Kei & Fujiyama, S.. (2008). Saltwater dynamics due to cut-off wall installation in coastal unconfined aquifers: Experimental and numerical studies. IAHS-AISH Publication. 214-219.
Digital Copy
None