Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 17.4 Hydrogeological cross sections showing lateral encroachment of saltwater and
salinization of supply wells in the Cohansey aquifer at the Cape May County (New Jersey) well
field, 1940s to 1990s (Barlow and Reichard
2010
; modified from Lacombe and Carleton
2002
)
groundwater levels below sea level (Lacombe and Carleton
2002
). After years of
continuous exploitation, groundwater levels dropped by up to 30 m, favoring
lateral saltwater intrusion into the aquifer. Hydrogeological cross sections showing
lateral intrusion of saltwater in the Cohansey aquifer, during 50 years of exploi-
tation, are shown in Fig.
17.4
. It may be observed that pumping enhanced saline
water intrusion and groundwater salinization in four of the five wells surveyed;
aquifer chloride concentrations increased over time, with the deeper aquifer
exhibiting the highest chloride concentration.
