Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2451
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2451
07 Aug 2024
 | 07 Aug 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

Anthropogenic pressures driving the salinity intrusion in the Guadalquivir Estuary: Insights from 1D Numerical Simulations

Sara Sirviente, Juan Jesús Gomiz-Pascual, Marina Bolado-Penagos, Sabine Sauvage, José Miguel Sánchez-Pérez, and Miguel Bruno

Abstract. The study presents a dynamic analysis of the present day behavior of saline intrusion in the Guadalquivir estuary and evaluates the impact of anthropogenic pressures on the dynamics of the salt wedge. A one-dimensional (1D) hydrodynamic model with a transport and dispersion module is used to study the effects of human pressure involved in the salinity concentration along the estuary. The observations, which correspond to continuous measurements taken during different oceanographic campaigns from 2021 to 2023, show an excessive penetration of the salt wedge in the estuary (with salinities of 5 psu at km 60) as compared to the idealized situation when anthropogenic water withdrawals are absent. This highlights the need to include a water withdrawal term in the simulations to accurately reproduce the real behavior of the system. Thus, reflecting the magnitude of the anthropogenic pressures. The model successfully reproduces the observations when this forcing factor is included. Under constant low flow conditions, experiments show that increasing water withdrawals leads to an increase in upstream saline intrusion. Similarly, under constant water withdrawal conditions, a decrease in saline intrusion is observed when freshwater flows exceed 40 m3/s. Variations in anthropogenic pressures, such as water withdrawals for agriculture or industry and reductions in freshwater flow, play a fundamental role in the evolution of saline intrusion. Under the current circumstances, the Guadalquivir estuary requires an urgent regulation of these uses in order to avoid further damage on the aquatic ecosystems.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Sara Sirviente, Juan Jesús Gomiz-Pascual, Marina Bolado-Penagos, Sabine Sauvage, José Miguel Sánchez-Pérez, and Miguel Bruno

Status: open (until 21 Nov 2024)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2451', Wenping Gong, 19 Aug 2024 reply
    • AC1: 'Reply on CC1', Sara Sirviente Alonso, 30 Aug 2024 reply
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2451', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Oct 2024 reply
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2451', Anonymous Referee #2, 11 Oct 2024 reply
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2451', Anonymous Referee #3, 14 Oct 2024 reply
  • RC4: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2451', Manuel Diez-Minguito, 22 Oct 2024 reply
Sara Sirviente, Juan Jesús Gomiz-Pascual, Marina Bolado-Penagos, Sabine Sauvage, José Miguel Sánchez-Pérez, and Miguel Bruno
Sara Sirviente, Juan Jesús Gomiz-Pascual, Marina Bolado-Penagos, Sabine Sauvage, José Miguel Sánchez-Pérez, and Miguel Bruno

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Short summary
The study analyzes how anthropogenic pressures affect saltwater intrusion in the Guadalquivir estuary using a 1D hydrodynamic model. Water extraction by human activities has caused excessive intrusion of the salt wedge, altering the natural state of the system. A better understanding of the effects of these activities is essential to protect the ecosystems of the estuary.