Coupled three-dimensional modelling of groundwater-surface water interactions for management of seawater intrusion in Pingtung Plain, Taiwan

Study region: A coupled framework, linking subsurface flow and surface hydrodynamics, is developed and applied to a real-world case study of Pingtung coastal aquifer in southwest of Taiwan, in East Asia. Study focus: FEFLOW is adopted to develop a 3-D variable density and transient groundwater model of the Pingtung shallow aquifer lying 250 m below mean sea level (MSL). This model is coupled with a 1-D river network model, comprised of the main river and its two tributaries, using MIKE 11 through the IFM MIKE 11 coupling interface. The model is capable of analysing the relationship between rainfall, surface water and groundwater recharge lag time. Also, the analysis of potential river inundation and maximum river discharge enable the model to choose the best location to apply artificial recharge as a management scenario to mitigate the effect of seawater intrusion (SWI). To the authors' knowledge, the developed coupled model is the first detailed integrated framework analysing the interaction of surface and subsurface water, with the capability to contribute to the restoration, rehabilitation, and management of the river network. New hydrological insights for the region: The rainfall ratio in the wet season to dry season is significant in this plain comparing with the rest of Taiwan. Also, southern Taiwan experiences the largest sea and river interaction, while Kaoping River playing as a pathway role for inland lead of seawater intrusion.

Automated summary

A coupled framework linking subsurface flow and surface hydrodynamics was developed and applied to a real-world case study of the Pingtung coastal aquifer in Taiwan. The study revealed significant differences in rainfall ratio between wet and dry seasons in the region, with southern Taiwan experiencing the largest sea and river interaction.