Application of geographical information systems (GIS) for the management of coastal aquifers subjected to seawater intrusion.

The phenomenon of seawater intrusion is a very common and widespread environmental problem which is present in the majority of coastal aquifers and therefore plays a vital role for the integrated coastal groundwater resources management. This paper refers to the investigation of seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifer of Rhodope, in Greece, and the use of a geographical information system as a tool for the rational management of the groundwater resources of the area. The presentation of specific chemical components (such as sodium and chloride ions) with the use of thematic maps illustrates the qualitative regime of the groundwater aquifer of the area and therefore can be used by the water authorities for the rational water resources management. Additionally, it is stated in Directive 2000/60/EC, for the establishment of framework for Community action in the field of water policy, that water authorities should develop GIS maps with certain colour variation according to the qualitative characterization of waters.