Modelling of intrusion of river water with different salts concentrations

Considerations about water intrusion underground by capillarity, also understood as suction force is a physical quantity that influence the dynamics of process and interaction between freshwater and saline water. This paper presents an investigation of the behaviour of groundwater flow and interactions between freshwater and saline water in the discharge region of a river. This study aimed to conduct a predictive modelling to identify and represent the river water intrusion in water table comparing different salt concentrations in river water and groundwater. The conceptual model was defined as a river discharge region. The modelling was performed using software SUTRA finite element solution method. Formation of layer of fresh water over the salinized water table was observed when considered a simulation with a freshwater intrusion. For considerations about saline water intrusion a formation of fingers was identified. From the results of model it was possible to observe that the intrusion of freshwater in water table is complicated by the presence of salts. The intrusion is more difficult as concentration of salts increases in the groundwater.

capillarity; fluid dynamics; Henry problem; salinity