The potential for saltwater intrusion in the Potomac aquifers of the York-James Peninsula, Virginia
Water-Resources Investigations Report
98-4187
By: Barry S. Smith
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Abstract
The most productive aquifers of the Virginia Coastal Plain are in the Potomac Formation. Water supplies in the Potomac aquifers are impaired, however, by saltwater in some areas. A two-dimensional, densitydependent, solute-transport model was used to investigate saltwater movement in the Potomac aquifers and the potential for saltwater intrusion or upward migration of saltwater. The model was designed to represent a simplified section of the Potomac aquifers and associated confining units near Lee Hall, Va. Solute-transport simulations show that the direction of ground-water flow and the hydrogeologic properties, particularly the permeability of aquifers and the distribution of confining sediments in the Potomac Formation, control the system hydrodynamics and saltwater movement in the Potomac aquifers. The simulations indicate lateral intrusion for the Lower Potomac aquifer near Lee Hall, Va. Velocity vectors of the simulations indicate that a hypothetical, but typical, production well in the Middle Potomac aquifer could induce upconing only within the immediate vicinity of the well. Migration of saltwater from the Middle and Lower Potomac aquifers east of the hypothetical well also was indicated by the simulations.
Suggested Citation
Smith, B.S., 1999, The potential for saltwater intrusion in the Potomac aquifers of the York-James Peninsula, Virginia: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 98-4187, iv, 24 p. , https://doi.org/10.3133/wri984187.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | The potential for saltwater intrusion in the Potomac aquifers of the York-James Peninsula, Virginia |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 98-4187 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri984187 |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Description | iv, 24 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Other Geospatial | York-James Peninsula |