Journal of New Approaches in Water Engineering and Environment
Scientific Journal

Modeling of groundwater flow of Qalgachi coastal aquifer to evaluate salt water intrusion using GMS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Nosrat Aghazadeh
Farzan Zokaie

Department of Civil Engineering, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran

10.22034/nawee.2025.505237.1137
Abstract
The escalating demand for water resources in recent decades has driven intensified groundwater extraction, resulting in declining aquifer levels and deteriorating water quality. In coastal regions, this phenomenon has exacerbated saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers. This study aims to simulate the groundwater flow dynamics of the Qalgachi coastal aquifer and assess the extent of saline water intrusion using a solute transport model. The groundwater flow system was quantitatively modeled using the GMS software, while the MT3DMS numerical code was employed to simulate solute transport and evaluate the migration of the saline water front. A solute transport model was calibrated using chloride concentration data derived from 16 groundwater samples collected across the study area. The transient flow model demonstrated robust performance during calibration and validation phases, as evidenced by a strong correlation between simulated and observed hydraulic head values, with RMSE below 1.14 m. This confirms the model’s reliability for simulating groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Hydraulic analysis revealed a negative water balance, indicating a sustained depletion of aquifer storage. The solute transport model highlights that excessive groundwater abstraction has induced a cone of depression, triggering saline water intrusion from the lake’s coastal interface into the aquifer. The encroachment of saline water extends up to 2.3 km inland. In several monitoring wells, EC and chloride concentrations have reached critical levels of 9,700 μS/cm and 2389 mg/L, respectively, confirming significant contamination due to saltwater intrusion. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management strategies to mitigate further aquifer degradation.

Keywords

Aquifer
Ground water model
Qalgachi
Salt water intrusion
GMS
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Journal of New Approaches in Water Engineering and Environment
Volume 5, Issue 1
February 2026
Pages 162-177

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NAWEE-2502-1137.pdf

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