In coastal aquifers, fresh groundwater and saltwater meet in narrow mixing zones that influence groundwater quality and movement. In collaboration with the University of British Columbia, our team recently co-authored a study in the Journal of Contaminant Hydrology. The study uses field observations and numerical modeling to characterize saline intrusion in the Fraser River delta aquifer—a groundwater source where the extent of saltwater movement can determine how much of the aquifer remains suitable for drinking water, irrigation, and other uses.
The model estimates dispersivity and diffusion parameters that influence mixing-zone width. These findings provide useful benchmarks for modeling other coastal aquifers and improving predictions of where saltwater may move over time, helping water managers assess future groundwater availability and appropriate uses.
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