Current and future state of groundwater salinization of the northern Elbe-Weser region

Abstract Salinization of the upper aquifer northern Elbe-Weser region almost extends to surface. Chloride content exceeds 250 mg/l and groundwater is therefore, according German Drinking Water Ordinance, not suitable as drinking water. The chloride in originates from early flooding with seawater which occurred during Holocene sea level rise. Depth extent salinization were mapped by airborne electromagnetic surveys validated analyses. In transition zone between marshlands geest areas, fresh-saline interface falls a depth > ?175 m NHN. Due extensive drainage marshlands, seepage fresh impeded. Instead, an upconing appears due upwardly directed hydraulic gradient. climate change, concentrations will increase along coastlines. Further inland, decrease near-surface occur.