Seawater intrusion due to pumping mitigated by natural freshwater flux: a case study in Władysławowo, northern Poland

Abstract

The paper presents a case study of seawater intrusion into a coastal aquifer, caused by a groundwater intake located close to the seashore in Władysławowo, northern Poland. Evolution of the basic hydrogeochemical parameters for the 50-year period from 1964 to 2014 indicates progressing encroachment of saline seawater into the aquifer. However, the spatial pattern of salinity was influenced by the variability of hydraulic gradient in fresh water discharging from aquifer to the sea. As a consequence, significant changes in salinity occurred in the directions both perpendicular and parallel to the coastline.