Application of principal components analysis to the study of salinization on the Castellon Plain (Spain)

摘要: Abstract The high salinization in some sectors of the Castellon Plain aquifer (Spain) has been erroneusly attributed to seawater intrusion, because and increasing contents chloride ions. However, recent studies this have shown that chemical characteristics groundwaters are result three different components: intruding seawater, freshwater from rainfall infiltration saline water with a characteristic sulphate-calcium-magnesium facies, derived bordering aquifers. division into according hydrochemical features, addition inclusion as variables both certain minor ions ionic deviations theoretical mixing provided clear characterization processes affecting aquifer. present study shows application statistical methods coastal Plain. these (cluster analysis principal components analysis) lead corroboration hypotheses developed previous study. Inclusion specific (certain ionic-Δ) PCA enhances definition degree processes.