Climate Change and Saltwater Intrusion in Estuaries

Saltwater intrusion in surface and subterranean estuaries (coastal aquifers) is affected by anthropogenic, or human-related effects, and natural factors. Human-related effects on saltwater intrusion are directly related to freshwater consumption and alterations to estuarine morphology. Moreover, the human influence on saltwater intrusion is indirectly linked to greenhouse-gas emissions. Natural factors include tides, winds, evaporation, river discharge, ocean currents, climate variability, and sea-level changes. However, human activities can alter these natural factors. The complex interplay between anthropogenic and natural agents in affecting saltwater intrusion is still poorly understood. Despite an incomplete understanding, artificial intelligence/statistical tools can be used, together with physics-based tools (analytical and numerical models), to guide the management of freshwater resources tied to surface and subterranean estuarine systems while attempting to mitigate the deleterious effect of saltwater intrusion.