Geometry of the modelled freshwater/salt-water interface under variable-density-driven flow (Pétrola Lake, SE Spain)

Abstract Pétrola Lake in southeast Spain is one of the most representative examples hypersaline wetlands southern Europe. The rich ecosystem and environmental importance this lake are closely associated with hydrogeological behaviour system. wetland fed by underlying aquifer relatively fresh groundwater—1 g L −1 total dissolved solids (TDS)—with a centripetal direction towards wetland. In addition, high evaporation rates region promote an increase concentration salts water, occasionally higher than 80 TDS. density difference between superficial water regional groundwater can reach up to 0.25 cm −3 , causing gravitational instability density-driven flow (DDF) under bottom. objective study was gain understanding geometry freshwater–saltwater interface means two-dimensional mathematical modelling geophysical-resistivity-profile surveys. magnitude mixed convective flows, generated DDF, support hypothesis that autochthonous reactive organic matter produced biomass be transported effectively areas (e.g. springs edge), where previous research described biogeochemical processes natural attenuation nitrate pollution.