Using Freshwater Heads to Analyze Flow Directions in Saline Aquifers of the Pingtung Plain, Taiwan

doi:10.3390/w13243491

CNU IR > College of Sustainable Environment and Recreation > Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Science (including master's program) > Periodical Articles > Item 310902800/34318

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Title:	Using Freshwater Heads to Analyze Flow Directions in Saline Aquifers of the Pingtung Plain, Taiwan
Authors:	Chiu, Yung-Chia Chen, Chun-Hung Cheng, Yun-Ta Chen, Wenfu
Contributors:	Natl Taiwan Ocean Univ, Inst Earth Sci MOEA, Water Resources Planning Inst, Water Resources Agcy Chia Nan Univ Pharm & Sci, Dept Environm Engn & Sci
Keywords:	variable-density groundwater freshwater head Pingtung Plain Taiwan
Date:	2021
Issue Date:	2023-11-11 11:43:03 (UTC+8)
Publisher:	MDPI
Abstract:	The hydraulic head is the most important parameter for the study of groundwater. However, a head measured from observation wells containing groundwater of variable density should be corrected to a reference density (e.g., a freshwater head). Some previous case studies have used unknown density hydraulic heads for calibrating flow models. Errors arising from the use of observed hydraulic head data of unknown density are, therefore, likely one of the most overlooked issues in flow simulations of seawater intrusion. Here, we present a case study that uses the freshwater head, instead of the observed hydraulic head, to analyze the flow paths of saline groundwater in the coastal region of the Pingtung Plain, Taiwan. Out of a total of 134 observation wells within the Pingtung Plain, 19 wells have been determined to be saline, with Electric Conductivity (EC) values higher than 1500 mu S/cm during 2012. The misuse of observed hydraulic heads causes misinterpretation of the flow direction of saline groundwater. For such saline aquifers, the determination of a freshwater head requires density information obtained from an observation well. Instead of the purging and sampling method, we recommend EC logging using a month interval. Our research indicates that EC values within an observation well within saline aquifers vary not only vertically but also by season.
Relation:	WATER-SUI, v.13, n.24, pp.3491
Appears in Collections:	[Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Science (including master's program)] Periodical Articles

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