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publications > paper > characterization of saltwater intrusion in south florida using electromagnetic geophysical methods > introduction
Characterization of Saltwater Intrusion in South Florida Using Electromagnetic Geophysical MethodsIntroductionSonenshein, 1997), and its history has been well documented in parts of south Florida for over 100 years (Parker et al., 1955; Leach et al., 1972; Klein and Waller, 1985). Traditionally saltwater intrusion has been studied by means of observation wells to access water quality and levels. While this approach gives very detailed information at a specific location, it can be very expensive due to the cost of drilling and well installation. More problematic is the fact that wells are often widely spaced. In the case of the Florida Everglades well placement is restricted by the limited road network.Historically the primary focus of salt-water intrusion studies in south Florida has been the evaluation and protection of ground-water resources, which are the principal source of drinking water. Over the past decade environmental concerns related to restoration of the Florida Everglades have become equally important as the connection between the environment and the economy has been recognized. The current restoration activity is a very large and complex project. Resource managers are always looking for better modeling and forecasting tools to assist them as they develop, execute, and monitor restoration activities. Electromagnetic geophysical techniques are one means of cost effectively improving hydrologic property estimates for ground-water flow models. The use of borehole, surface, and airborne geophysical techniques to map saltwater intrusion has become more common (Sonenshein, 1997; Fitterman and Deszcz-Pan, 1998, 2002; Chen, 1999; Hittle, 1999; Albouy et al., 2001; Schmerge, 2001). These techniques provide information on subsurface electrical resistivity variations, which can be related to changes of geology and water quality. In this paper we describe the use of electromagnetic geophysical techniques to estimate water quality on a regional scale commensurate with hydrologic modeling activity.
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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
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Last updated: 01 December, 2004 @ 09:39 AM (KP)