3D vulnerability of coastal aquifers: a comprehensive approach

The topic of the vulnerability of coastal aquifers to seawater intrusion is developed through the review of the latest literature concerning the results of the application of the methods proposed for its mapping. The subject matter relates to the elements that constitute the 3D vulnerability of coastal aquifers, their interrelation, the possible indicators of the relevant phenomena, and the elements of the hydrogeological complexity of the systems (as the variable-density groundwater flow) that should be considered primarily in defining the indicators. In addition, the discussion deals with the reliability of the methods commonly used for measuring some important parameters included in the vulnerability models. When dealing with coastal aquifer vulnerability and methods for its mapping, the “evolution” of groundwater quality and quantity, and the “frequencies and methods” of monitoring emerge as fundamental elements to obtain a correct information.