Research on salinisation processes in the
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Netherlands (NHI)
The so-called Netherlands Hydrological modelling Instrument (NHI) includes a module to take into account fresh and saline groundwater in the coastal zone. This paper informs you about this NHI fresh-saline groundwater module, which assesses on a national scale the impact of stresses such as sea level rise, land subsidence, increasing groundwater extraction and changes in natural groundwater recharge on groundwater in the Dutch coastal zone. Modelling results show that the water system significantly becomes more saline these coming 50-100 years, and that water courses need to be flushed more intensively if water boards want to maintain the water quality in the surface water system. This module is ready to play a role in assessing the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation strategies to make our water system climate proof. |
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Poster: Netherlands Hydrological modelling Instrument: fresh and saline groundwater in the Dutch coastal zone
More information: Jarno Verkaik, Joost Delsman or Gualbert Oude EssinkThe fresh water resources in the groundwater system of the coastal province of Zeeland are at present jeopardized by various causes. Floods, droughts, eutrophication and salinisation of the ground and surface waters are some pressing topics. Moreover, sea level rise and climate change threaten the groundwater system even more. Water management in the province should anticipate on these changes. The province has initiated a study to get a better insight in the salinisation processes in the top system. The main goal is to analyse what measurements are effective in mitigating the salinisation of the water system. Special attention is given to the so-called rainwater lenses in agriculture plots. Agricultural crops depend on these shallow vulnerable water systems which float upon brackish groundwater and vary over the season in thickness.