The planicie costera oriental coastal aquifer (Dominican Republic) A general framework analysis supported by conceptual groundwater modelling

摘要

The role of groundwater modelling in the management of the thick coastal aquifer of the Planicie Costera Oriental (Dominican Republic) is presented in this paper. The area, affected by a strong demographic pressure and site of main tourist resorts, is characterized by concentrated high rates of groundwater exploitation. As a consequence, many negative impacts have been observed in recent years, mainly related to salt water intrusion phenomena, affecting both coastal and internal areas. The specific case of the main Santo Domingo well fields, located at 15-20km from the coast, is discussed in detail. The hydrogeological conceptual model is reviewed in a modelling perspective. A regional Modflow groundwater flow model defines the general reference framework. A local density-dependent model along a 2D section, developed using the TOUGH2 numerical reservoir simulator, highlights specific criticities due to both regional salt water interface modification and local upconing effects, due to overpumping. A simulation of the aquifer behavior in the Santo Domingo area, assuming a significant increment of exploitation in the next few years, defines areal impact and general constraints to be taken into account for a sustainable water management policy.