Salinization in the Holocene Fan-delta of Maekhlonng River, Thailand

Abstract

The salts in the groundwater of the Maekhlong fan-delta are of marine origin. Intensive human activities have triggered an impact on the long-run effects of salinization. The construction of a serial dam in the river systems, over-irrigation, and the development of sand-quarries in the areas of a highly saline aquifer have not only increased the rate of salinization, but also decreased the rate of desalinization of the salinity profile. Both for flood management and to increase the rate of desalinization, open drains should be constructed within the rice irrigation systems to allow flushing of salt to occur.