Saltwater intrusion in Denmark

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The studies investigating saltwater intrusion in Denmark have been reviewed to identify the main characteristics and features that have an impact on coastal aquifers interacting with the sea. Traditionally, in regions with wet climate, saltwater intrusion is not appointed as a frequent problem and it is more commonly linked to areas affected by water scarcity. Nevertheless, multiple factors that can induce the salinization of coastal aquifers have been found for Denmark such as the presence of coastal drained lowlands with the water table below the sea level or karstic features and buried valleys in carbonate and detrital systems respectively that can act as preferential flow paths for saline water. Eustatic changes have been also played an important role in the salinization of aquifers, in deep aquifers saline ancient connate water can be identi-fied and in small islands, a delicate equilibrium of freshwater lenses is generated over saline water. As the water supply in this country depends almost exclusively on groundwater, saltwater intrusion can jeopardize fresh groundwater resources in coastal areas. An overview of the cas-es already studied, questions about the magnitude of these issues and the future perspectives with climate changes are discussed to put into context what is already known and what are the next challenges.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftBoletin Geologico y Minero
Vol/bind133
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)29-46
Antal sider18
ISSN0366-0176
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2022

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
We thank the editor and two anonymous re-viewers for their constructive comments that helped us to improve the text. This work was carried out as part of the activities of the Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, WATEC, and the Next-Generation EU funding: Programa María Zambrano Sénior (REF: MZSA03).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 CSIC.

    Forskningsområder

  • Aerial electromagnetic methods, Coastal aquifers, Fractured aquifers, Freshwater lenses, Saltwater intrusion

ID: 343039839