Premium
Optimal management of a Hawaiian Coastal aquifer with nearshore marine ecological interactions
Author(s) -
Duarte Thomas Kaeo,
Pongkijvorasin Sittidaj,
Roumasset James,
Amato Daniel,
Burnett Kimberly
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2010wr009094
Subject(s) - groundwater recharge , aquifer , environmental science , submarine groundwater discharge , groundwater , biota , resource (disambiguation) , ecology , oceanography , water resource management , hydrology (agriculture) , geology , biology , computer network , geotechnical engineering , computer science
We optimize groundwater management in the presence of marine consequences of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Concern for marine biota increases the optimal steady‐state head level of the aquifer. The model is discussed in general terms for any coastal groundwater resource where SGD has a positive impact on valuable nearshore resources. Our application focuses on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i, where SGD is being actively studied and where both nearshore ecology and groundwater resources are serious sociopolitical issues. To incorporate the consequences of water extraction on nearshore resources, we impose a safe minimum standard for the quantity of SGD. Efficient pumping rates fluctuate according to various growth requirements on the keystone marine algae and different assumptions regarding recharge rates. Desalination is required under average recharge conditions and a strict minimum standard and under low recharge conditions regardless of minimum standards of growth.