Which type of aquifer is found near coastal saltwater bodies?

The type of aquifer that is found near coastal saltwater bodies is known as a transitional aquifer. These aquifers exist in areas where freshwater from inland sources meets saltwater from the ocean. The interaction between these two water types creates a unique zone characterized by varying salinity levels, known as a freshwater-saltwater interface.

Transitional aquifers are crucial for coastal communities as they can provide important freshwater resources. However, they are also sensitive to over-extraction of water, which can lead to the intrusion of saltwater into the freshwater aquifer, compromising the water quality.

Seashore aquifers, in contrast, would not precisely capture the dynamics of the freshwater and saltwater interaction that characterizes transitional aquifers. Freshwater aquifers are specific to areas with predominantly freshwater resources, while artesian aquifers involve pressurized systems that can flow to the surface without pumping, which is not specific to coastal environments. Thus, recognizing the unique characteristics of transitional aquifers is essential when discussing groundwater systems near coastal areas.