Saltwater intrusion in 3D large-scale aquifers: A Dutch case

Saltwater intrusion in a three-dimensional large-scale coastal aquifer in t he northern part of the province Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, is investi gated. The computer code MOCDENS3D, which is the code MOC3D of Konikow et a l. (1996) but adapted for differences in density, is used to model the disp lacement of fresh, brackish and saline groundwater in this hydrogeologic sy stem. It appears that a severe salinisation already occurs. This process is initiated by the reclamation of the (low-lying) polders during the past ce nturies. Though seepage quantities decreases in many polder araes due to an increase in salinity, the salt load increases significantly. (C) 2001 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.