A Numerical Approach to Evaluating Groundwater Vulnerability to Seawater Intrusion on Jeju Volcanic Island, South Korea

Seawater intrusion (SWI) is a critical issue for coastal aquifers, especially in islands where groundwater the sole source of water supply. The objective this study was to develop straightforward approach evaluating vulnerability SWI, using statistical method with spatial analyses applied four basins Jeju volcanic island. In study, five factors were parametrized, including hydraulic conductivity, level, distance from shoreline wells, well depth and use. These parameters spatially interpolated correlated electrical conductivity as proxy salinization, resulting three significant relations: use, depth, level. Then, numerical model SWI assessment constructed ratings weights, by weak, moderate high index. Regional conditions, major land-use types, industrial activities, population degree urbanisation, could affect differently at each region. Based on percentage area vulnerability, regions Island followed order eastern > northern western southern, indicating that preventive measures its influencing be more effectively certain regions.