Internship Salinization and the unsaturated zone
Impact of climate change on salinization of the unsaturated zone At Acacia Water we work in coastal regions, where upconing of salt water can lead to salinization of the unsaturated zone and plantstress. Currently, we expect this not to be a wide spread issue: regular precipitation ensures fresh water supply in the root zone and grows the fresh water lens that pushes the salt water back into deeper soil layers. However, the changing climate is characterized by longer periods without precipitation. This can lead to depletion of fresh water in the unsaturated zone and capillary rise of saline or brakish water towards the root zone, endangering agricultural practices. In this internship, you will research the relationship between salt groundwater and salinization of the unsaturated zone in the Netherlands under a changing climate. You will use our field measurements, data found in literature, and unsaturated zone modelling to estimate the future risk of salinization in the root zone.
The project consists of three parts:
- Data collection and analysis – For the first part of your internship, you will focus on analyzing our field datasets of groundwater, soil moisture and EC to determine whether salinization of the root zone from brackish or salt groundwater is an issue under current climatic conditions.
- Modelling study – You will start your modelling study by setting up a representative field-scale model of the Dutch coastal region in Hydrus. The next step is to calibrate this model using the data collected under step 1. Then, with the calibrated model, you will do multiple model runs using different climate scenarios. With the results, you will test whether climate change increases the risk of root zone salinization because of capillary rise and under which conditions.
- Literature review – Finally, you will compare your model results to literature as well as field data in other regions that are currently under a climate that compares to the future Dutch climate.
We consider this topic fit for a MSc thesis or internship for students who have some experience with analyzing hydrological field data, hydrological modelling and unsaturated zone hydrology. During your internship, you will work in close collaboration with our colleagues focusing on the unsaturated zone hydrology and salinization.
Are you interested in this internship? Send your resume and motivation letter to arjen.roelandse@acaciawater.com. For questions about the internship give a call to Arjen Roelandse, senior advisor. All applications will be considered in the second half of February. Duration and start of internship to be determined in mutual agreement.