Abstract
In this study, interdisciplinary approaches are considered to characterize the coastal zone aquifer of the Elbe-Weser region in the North of Lower Saxony, Germany. Geological, hydrogeological, geochemical and geophysical information have been considered to analyze the current status of the aquifers. All the information collectively states that the salinity distribution in the subsurface is heterogeneous both horizontally and vertically. Early age flooding also contributed to this heterogeneity. No general classification of groundwater quality (according to some piper diagrams) could be identified. Helicopter-borne electro-magnetic data clearly show the presence of freshwater reserves below the sea near the west coast. Groundwater recharge largely happens in the moraine ridges (west side of the area) where both the surface elevation and the groundwater level are high. Consequently, submarine groundwater discharge occurs from the same place. All these information will facilitate to develop the planned density driven groundwater flow and transport model for the study area.
Highlights
Alike some other countries in the world, the impacts due to climate change in Germany have been investigated by several researchers (e.g., Brasseur et al 2017; Frondel et al 2017; Rannow et al 2010) and institutions (e.g., Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS); Potsdam institute for climate change impact research (PIK))
This paper reports about the characterization of the groundwater aquifers that will facilitate the development of groundwater model
Though data from several geophysical methods are available at the study area, in this study we have limited our analysis to only helicopter-borne electromagnetic (HEM) data (Siemon et al 2014) to map the horizontal and vertical variability of salinity
Summary
The northern half of Germany, surrounded by several rivers (Elbe, Weser, Ems etc.) is considered to be the most potentially affected area (Umweltbundesamt 2015). The coastal zone of the northern part of Lower Saxony is vulnerable to the potential adverse impacts (such as sea level rise) (Sterr 2008) due to climate change. Understanding the impact of climate change on the groundwater reserve is very much essential at this place. Efficient management of available freshwater reserves in a coastal aquifer needs proper characterization of the groundwater catchment. For better understanding and detailed characterization of coastal groundwater aquifers, several scientific and technical issues should be investigated intensively. This study applies an interdisciplinary approach to characterize the coastal zone aquifer in Northern Germany
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