โ™ป๏ธap environmental science review

Saltwater intrusion

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers and groundwater systems, often caused by over-extraction of freshwater in coastal urban areas, disrupting the hydrologic cycle.

AP course connection

Topic 5.10: 5.10 Impacts of Urbanization

Unit 5