Salt Efflorescence in Price River Basin
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 2
Abstract
Salt efflorescence has been hypothesized to be an important nonpoint source of salinity in the Price River basin which is a major salt contributor, relative to its contribution of water, to the Colorado River system. Efflorescent salt loading was investigated through field studies, aerial photography, laboratory experiments, and mathematical modeling. Physical and chemical properties of soil‐water influencing the accumulation of salt efflorescence were measured. Salt efflorescence crusts were established in soil columns under controlled water flow regimes. The effect of salt crust formation on soil‐water evaporation was measured. Water content and salinity profile data were used to verify a mathematical model of unsaturated water flow, salt transport, and formation of salt efflorescence. The contribution of salt efflorescence to the overall salinity of the Price River basin was estimated using a probabilistic approach. These studies suggest that subsurface sources of salt pickup are significant and future salt loading studies in the basin should consider subsurface processes.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 110 • Issue 2 • April 1984
Pages: 457 - 471
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
History
Published online: Apr 1, 1984
Published in print: Apr 1984
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