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of extraction "demand" on the aquifer, it appears that the characteristics 

 of the salinity intrusion, including any time dependencies can be predicted 

 reasonably reliably by state-of-the-art numerical modeling. However, at 

 present the effects of sea level rise on saltwater intrusion have been 

 examined only for special cases. Any decisions by those responsible for 

 planning related to the need to relocate well fields, modify usage, 

 implement remedial measures, etc. must be based on realistic estimates of 

 the effects of sea level rise and other causes such as increases in 

 extraction rates . 



A research program is recommended which would develop and exercise 

 rather simple models specifically with the objective of illustrating the 

 relative effects of sea level rise. The remaining efforts would be much 

 more comprehensive and concentrate on evaluating the reliability of 

 numerical models for predicting salinity intrusion and on case studies of 

 areas where the potential for salinity intrusion is high. These studies 

 would focus on the applications of models, parameterized and calibrated for 

 the local aquifer characteristics and using various sea level rise 

 scenarios to predict effects on extracted water and on the need for and 

 effectiveness of various types of remedial measures. 



