Investigation of groundwater behavior in response to oceanic tide and hydrodynamic assessment of coastal aquifers

Environ Monit Assess. 2016 May;188(5):290. doi: 10.1007/s10661-016-5287-2. Epub 2016 Apr 14.

Abstract

This study was based, firstly, on observations and analysis of water table level variations in the Plio-Quaternary and Hauterivian aquifers, Oualidia (Morocco), and secondly, on comparing this behavior to oceanic tidal variations. Recordings were made in the well located at 1318 m from the coast, where the two aquifers are in direct contact. This investigation was subdivided into two periods of 4 months each. Results showed a tidal influence on water table level within the well during semi-diurnal and monthly periods. Water table fluctuation periods were equal to 12 h 25 min identical to oceanic tide propagation period, while time lag between water levels was equal to 3 h 24 min. Moreover, results allowed aquifer diffusivity calculation through a confined aquifer model, which was equal to 6.20 m(2) s(-1) calculated from average value of water amplitude and to 40.6 m(2) s(-1) calculated from average value of time lag. In addition, tidal wave amplitude attenuation occurred exponentially with distance from ocean, which disappeared completely after 2000 m from coast.

Keywords: Costal aquifers; Hydraulic diffusivity; Morocco; Oceanic tide; Oualidia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Groundwater / analysis*
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Morocco
  • Seawater*
  • Time