Indicator: CO-68 Examples of sea surge and seawater intrusion events
Data
No continent-wide data on sea surge or sea intrusion events are available. One place where this has been a particular concern is the lower Burdekin delta, a major irrigation area with more that 35 000 hectares of sugar cane and other crops. Some work has been done to understand and address the problem. The system overlays major groundwater supplies which are contained in an open aquifer system that is subject to the constant threat of seawater intrusion. The area is also close to environmentally sensitive wetlands, waterways, estuaries and the Great Barrier Reef.
What the data mean
No data found on impacts of seawater intrusions rates in the Burdekin Delta, but future monitoring of groundwater in this area may provide future insights into the issue.
Data Limitations
No data found.
Issues for which this is an indicator and why
Coasts and Oceans - Contributions and pressures between the coasts and oceans and inland water - Effect of changes in coasts and oceans on inland waters
Influx of sea water into groundwater and surface freshwater systems can occur naturally as a result of sea storms or as a result of sea level change which may be associated with anthropogenic climate change. It can place significant pressure on resident species and ecosystems. No indicator has been developed for measuring or assessing the extent of this pressure or its actual impact on aquatic organisms. Some examples or case studies may be possible.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-01 Trends in selected groups of coastal and marine species and habitats
- CO-03 Sea level
- CO-46 Comparative water quality of coastal lakes and lagoons (water quality gradient from north to south)
Coasts and Oceans - Contributions and pressures between the coasts and oceans and land - Effects of changes in the ocean on the land
Influx of sea water onto the land can occur as a result of sea storms or as a result of sea level change which may be associated with anthropogenic climate change. It can place significant pressure on resident species and ecosystems.
Other indicators for this issue:
Land - Contributions and pressures between the land and the ocean - Pressures of ocean change on the land
Sea water influx has the potential to place pressure on the land as coastal terrestrial ecosystems become drowned or saline.
Other indicators for this issue:
Inland Waters - Habitat scale influences - Water Quality (for surface and groundwater) - Salinity
Examples of sea water intrusion events may shed light on salination of surface and ground water in coastal areas and wetlands.
Other indicators for this issue:
Further Information
- Towards a More Integrated Approach to Water Mangement in the Burdekin Delta Irrigation Area
- Groundwater Flow and Seawater Intrusion Modelling in the Lower Burdekin
Key
Links to another web site
Links to data in the DRS
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