Stochastic Optimization for an Analytical Model of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers.

The present study implements a stochastic optimization technique to optimally manage freshwater pumping from coastal aquifers. Our simulations utilize the well-known sharp interface model for saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers together with its known analytical solution. The objective is to maximize the total volume of freshwater pumped by the wells from the aquifer while, at the same time, protecting the aquifer from saltwater intrusion. In the direction of dealing with this problem in real time, the ALOPEX stochastic optimization method is used, to optimize the pumping rates of the wells, coupled with a penalty-based strategy that keeps the saltwater front at a safe distance from the wells. Several numerical optimization results, that simulate a known real aquifer case, are presented. The results explore the computational performance of the chosen stochastic optimization method as well as its abilities to manage freshwater pumping in real aquifer environments

Well Coordinates for the second group of simulation cases.

<p>Well Coordinates for the second group of simulation cases.</p

Cone of depression and safety distance areas around every aquifer well.

<p>Cone of depression and safety distance areas around every aquifer well.</p

Chart and Data Flow through MODULE II.

<p>Chart and Data Flow through MODULE II.</p

Pumping management parameters.

<p>Pumping management parameters.</p

Evolution of the well pumping rates for all simulation cases.

<p>Evolution of the well pumping rates for all simulation cases.</p

Aquifer and well characteristics.

<p>Aquifer and well characteristics.</p

Implementing the Stopping Criterion: ALOPEX Optimal Parameter Values.

<p>Implementing the Stopping Criterion: ALOPEX Optimal Parameter Values.</p

Homogeneous rectangular aquifer.

<p>Homogeneous rectangular aquifer.</p

ALOPEX pumping management performance: Optimal Parameter Values.

<p>ALOPEX pumping management performance: Optimal Parameter Values.</p