Utilizing successive linearization optimization to control the saltwater intrusion phenomenon in unconfined coastal aquifers in Crete, GreeceUtilizing successive linearization optimization to control the saltwater intrusion phenomenon in unconfined coastal aquifers in Crete, Greece Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2018-05-182017enIn the present work, a simulation-optimization method is employed in order to manage saltwater intrusion in two unconfined coastal aquifers in Crete, Greece. The optimization formulation seeks to maximize groundwater withdrawal rates while maintaining the saltwater intrusion front at the current location or inhibiting it at locations closer to the coast. A combination of a groundwater flow model (MODFLOW) with the Ghyben-Herzberg saltwater front approximation and a sequential implementation of the Simplex algorithm (GWM) are employed. The results show that under the current pumping strategies, the saltwater intrusion front will continue to move inland, posing a serious threat to the groundwater quality of these regions. Optimal groundwater withdrawal scenarios that take into consideration the water needs of the local communities and environmental concerns are presented and discussed. In both case studies, significant reductions in pumping are required in order for the saltwater intrusion front to retract closer to the shoreline.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Environmental Modeling and Assessment222115-128 Dokou Zoi Δοκου Ζωη Dettoraki Maria Δεττορακη Μαρια Karatzas Giorgos Καρατζας Γιωργος Varouchakis Emmanouil Βαρουχακης Εμμανουηλ Pappa Athina Παππα Αθηνα Springer Verlag Coastal aquifer Greece Groundwater management Optimization Saltwater intrusion