Evolution patterns,protection,and restoration of deep confined aquifer in the North China Plain
ZHAO Yong
WU Chu
LIU Rong
MA Meng
LU Chuiyu
Abstract：After ten years of constant comprehensive management,aquifer levels in the North China Plain generally show the trend of significant recovery.However,the over-exploitation of deep confined aquifers remains ongoing,causing geological and environmental problems such as land subsidence and saltwater intrusion,which have become a focus and challenge in the current control and restoration of groundwater over-exploitation.Based on systematic investigation and monitoring,laboratory and field experiments,simulation analysis,as well as the research and practical summary of control measures,this study investigates the variations in the deep confined aquifer in the North China Plain,reveals the land subsidence and saline aquifer variations caused by confined water over-exploitation,and identifies the lateral recharge flux of deep confined water.Meanwhile,it proposes the exploitable amount,recoverable over-exploited amount,and healthy groundwater level thresholds for deep confined aquifers in the North China Plain,with the effectiveness of well irrigation recharge in lifting the saltwater-freshwater interface preliminarily verified.Additionally,from the perspectives of efficiency,durability,and economy,the study puts forward the hydrogeological dominant channels for natural recharge,as well as the measures to be strengthened,including the alternative utilization of shallow brackish water and greater efforts in external water diversion.This study aims to support the management,protection,and restoration of deep confined water in the North China Plain.
Keywords：the North China Plaingroundwaterdeep confined aquiferevolution patternwater level thresholdover-exploitation controlwell irrigation recharge
Publication Date：2026-01-30
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-12(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：10( 19-28 )