Projecting the Effects of Saltwater Intrusion on the Fresh Groundwater Resources of Southeastern Louisiana and the New Orleans Area, USA, based on 3D Variable-Density Groundwater Modelling

Abstract

The Southern Hills regional aquifer system is an important source of freshwater in southeastern Louisiana and could become even more so in the future. However, climate change, subsidence and enhanced extraction rates could pose a threat to these groundwater resources as they induce the intrusion of seawater into the aquifer system. Therefore, the consequences of these processes on the fresh groundwater resources were studied on both a regional (southeastern Louisiana) and local (New Orleans) scale. Moreover, the possibilities of using artificial recharge and seawater extraction to mitigate seawater intrusion in the New Orleans area were also investigated.