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Geology Hazards

Question 1: Saltwater intrusion in the UAE groundwater table is a significant problem. Describe how this problem happens; you may use sketches. What measures could be taken to prevent this?

Introduction

Saltwater intrusion occurs when fresh water reserves are contaminated by salty water from the sea because of human or natural causes. The underground link between water tables instigates this phenomenon. The imbalance between seawater and groundwater heights causes saline water to move inland; however, striking equilibrium in freshwater-saltwater interactions limits this action.

Causes of Saltwater Intrusion

            Both human and natural occurrences upset the stability in the freshwater-saltwater association, which causes saltwater to migrate from the sea into inland areas. Freshwater is less mineralized than seawater; hence, less dense and has low-pressure levels. Consequently, according to Browne, this situation provokes the migration of brine water from the sea. Besides, as shown in Figure 1, human activities such as pumping groundwater from seaside freshwater reserves initiate intrusion because it causes disproportion in water tables. Human and natural activities result in a hydraulic interaction between the sea and underground, which forces water into inland areas.

Figure 1: Saltwater Intrusion

Source: Browne

Measures that Prevent Seawater Intrusion

Saltwater invasion is a preventable action that relies on the proper use of the rules and guidelines for well operation. For example, to minimize the human activities causes, Patterson, Kattenham, Helfeinstein, and Pappalardo postulates that people should reduce water consumption and decrease pump penetration to avoid interfering with salty groundwater. Besides, water should be collected fewer times and under proper coordination with the use of multi-well systems. As a result, if saline water migrates into freshwater points, people should stop pumping it for some time to let it recover.

Conclusion

The upset of seawater-groundwater heights causes saline water to push into interior land; however, this striking a balance between these associations deters this occurrence. This migration of salty water results from both human and natural circumstances that upset the stability in freshwater-saltwater interaction. However, the use of proper well management guideline prevents the event of this phenomenon.

Question 2: Describe the types of mining and their impacts.

Introduction

Mining involves the removals of valued geological materials such as minerals from underground for commercial purposes. Four significant mining practices include in-situ, placer, open surface and underground mining, which possess wide-ranging impacts on the environment and nearby countryside.

Types of Mining

a.      In-situ Mining

In-situ mining is a method used to extract valuable minerals through drilled boreholes into ores (in situ). Patterson et al. explain that miners pour solvents into the burrows to artificially dissolve solid crystals. This technique produces more greenhouse gas emissions because it requires steam to melt the minerals in the ground.

b.

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