Seawater intrusion and coastal groundwater resources management. Examples from two Mediterranean regions: Catalonia and Sardinia

Abstract

Seawater intrusion is a natural phenomenon that allows the encroachment of saline water into aquifers. Nevertheless, many human actions along the coastline, in particular groundwater withdrawal, enhance this process and finally cause the salinization of groundwater resources. Here we review the hydrogeological basis of seawater intrusion and describe specific cases in Catalonia and Sardinia, as examples of environmental problems and water management actions. We emphasize the origin of salinization and the hydrogeological details of each case, as well as the solutions that have been implemented to prevent groundwater salinization.