Numerical Simulation of Saltwater Intrusion into Laccadive Island Aquifers due to Climate Change

Saltwater intrusion is a serious environmental problem in coastal subsurface water systems around the world. In the development of subsurface water protection and rehabilitation strategies in the coastal areas, mathematical models play an important role. This paper discusses the role of subsurface water contamination models in planning, management and regulation, with a focus on generic and site specific contamination of subsurface water systems. Basic to controlling saltwater intrusion is the determination of its spatial and temporal distribution. Using a case history of Laccadive Islands in India, this paper applies SUTRA model to predict freshwater depth and simulate saltwater intrusion due to climate change.