7-Sea Water Intrusion in Coastal Unconfined Aquifers of South Western Peninsula.

Abstract

Seasonal increase in salinity in the wells near the sea shore is primarily due to salt water encroachment from the Arabian Sea which is hydraulically connected with the coastal aquifers running parallel to the ocean. The results from the field investigation carried out in this aspect with reference to coastal tracts in Malabar region are presented in this paper. Three years of observation on the coastal wells along Malabar region between Trichur and Kasaragod are analysed and correlated with depth to water level and distance of the well from the sea shore through a simple conceptual model. The model forwarded would be direct help to the well users to find out maximum quantity of water he can withdraw without adversely affecting the quality of water. It will also be of direct help in forecasting the likely level of salinity intrusion into the coastal aquifers and device possible remedial measures for the same.