Coastal aquifers are vital underground freshwater reserves situated near coastlines, crucial for supplying communities. These natural systems face increasing...
Coastal aquifers are underground layers of permeable rock or sediment found near coastlines, holding significant amounts of freshwater. They are crucial water sources for many coastal communities globally.
They provide essential freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry in coastal regions, supporting both human populations and delicate coastal ecosystems, making their preservation vital.
Saltwater intrusion is the movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers, often caused by excessive groundwater pumping, which reduces the freshwater pressure and allows seawater to migrate inland.
Rising sea levels can directly increase saltwater intrusion, while altered precipitation patterns can reduce aquifer recharge, exacerbating freshwater scarcity and aquifer degradation.
Protection strategies include sustainable groundwater management, reducing over-pumping, implementing artificial recharge, and developing monitoring programs to detect and mitigate saltwater intrusion.