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Evaluation and numerical modeling of seawater intrusion in the Gaza aquifer (Palestine)

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Abstract

A numerical assessment of seawater intrusion in Gaza, Palestine, has been achieved applying a 3-D variable density groundwater flow model. A two-stage finite difference simulation algorithm was used in steady state and transient models. SEAWAT computer code was used for simulating the spatial and temporal evolution of hydraulic heads and solute concentrations of groundwater. A regular finite difference grid with a 400 m2 cell in the horizontal plane, in addition to a 12-layer model were chosen. The model has been calibrated under steady state and transient conditions. Simulation results indicate that the proposed schemes successfully simulate the intrusion mechanism. Two pumpage schemes were designed to use the calibrated model for prediction of future changes in water levels and solute concentrations in the groundwater for a planning period of 17 years. The results show that seawater intrusion would worsen in the aquifer if the current rates of groundwater pumpage continue. The alternative, to eliminate pumpage in the intruded area, to moderate pumpage rates from water supply wells far from the seashore and to increase the aquifer replenishment by encouraging the implementation of suitable solutions like artificial recharge, may limit significantly seawater intrusion and reduce the current rate of decline of the water levels.

Résumé

Un bilan numérique de l'intrusion de l'eau souterraine à Gaza, Palestine, a été réalisé au moyen d'un modèle 3D d'écoulement des eaux souterraines à densité variable. Une simulation par différences finies à deux niveaux a été utilisée en régime permanent et transitoire. Le code SEAWAT a été utilisé pour simuler l'évolution spatiale et temporelle des hauteurs piézométriques ainsi que les concentrations en solutés dans l'eau souterraine. Une grille régulière aux différences finies et des cellules de 400 m2, et douze couches horizontales constituent le modèle. Ce dernier a été calibré en condition de régime permanent et régime transitoire. Les résultats de la simulation indiquent que les schémas proposés simulés simulent avec succès les mécanismes d'intrusion. Deux schémas de pompages ont été définis pour prédire, grâce au modèle calibré, à prédire les changements des niveaux d'eau et des concentrations dans l'eau souterraine, sur une période de 17 ans. Les résultats montrent que l'intrusion de l'eau de mer pourrait s'aggraver dans l'aquifère, si les pompages actuels se poursuivent à ce niveau. L'alternative, éliminer le pompage dans la zone d'intrusion, serait de modérer les taux de pompages des puits de production éloignés de la cote et d'accroître le réapprovisionnement de l'aquifère en encourageant l'application de solutions telles que la recharge artificielle, qui limiteraient significativement l'intrusion des eaux souterraines et déduiraient le taux actuel de déclin des niveaux d'eau.

Resumen

Se ha logrado una evaluación numérica de la intrusión de agua salada en Gaza, Palestina aplicando un modelo de flujo 3-D de densidad variable de agua subterránea. Se utilizó un algoritmo de simulación de diferencia finita de dos etapas en modelos de régimen permanente y transitorio. Se utilizó el código de computación SEAWAT para simular la evolución espacial y temporal de presiones hidráulicas y concentraciones de soluto de agua subterránea. Se eligió una malla regular de diferencia finita con una celda de 400 m2 en el plano horizontal en adición a un modelo de 12 capas. El modelo se ha calibrado bajo condiciones de régimen permanente y transitorio. Los resultados de la simulación indican que los esquemas propuestos simulan exitosamente el mecanismo de intrusión. Se diseñaron dos esquemas de bombeo para utilizar el modelo calibrado para predecir los cambios futuros en niveles de agua y concentraciones de soluto en el agua subterránea para un periodo de planificación de 17 años. Los resultados muestran que la intrusión de agua de mar empeoraría en el acuífero si los ritmos actuales de bombeo de agua subterránea continúan. La alternativa de eliminar el bombeo en el área de intrusión, a ritmos de bombeo moderado de pozos de abastecimiento de agua alejados de la costa, a incrementar el reabastecimiento mediante el estímulo de implementar soluciones disponibles como recarga artificial puede limitar significativamente la intrusión de agua de mar y reducir el ritmo actual de descenso de niveles de agua.

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Acknowledgments

This work was done at LIMEN, Ecole Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs (EMI) and supported primarily with research funds from UNESCO/KEIZO OBUCHI Fellowship Program. Additional support was made from of the SWIMED project under contract number ICA3-CT2002-10004 funded by EU on behalf of Gaza Islamic University partner-Palestine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environment Quality Authority, Palestinian Authority, Gaza, Palestine

    Khalid Qahman

  2. Department of Hydrogeological Engineering, LIMEN, Ecole Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs, Université Mohammed V- Agdal, B.P.765 Agdal, Rabat, Morocco

    Abdelkader Larabi

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  1. Khalid Qahman
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  2. Abdelkader Larabi
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Correspondence to Abdelkader Larabi.

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Qahman, K., Larabi, A. Evaluation and numerical modeling of seawater intrusion in the Gaza aquifer (Palestine). Hydrogeol J 14, 713–728 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-005-003-2

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