Modelling seawater intrusion (SWI) has evolved from a tool for understanding to a water management need. Yet, it remains a challenge. Difficulties arise from the assessment of dispersion coefficients and the complexity of natural systems that results in complicated aquifer geometries and heterogeneity in the hydraulic parameters. Addressing such difficulties is the objective of this thesis. Specifically, factors that may affect the flow and transport in coastal aquifers and produce heterogeneous salinity distributions are studied.First, a new paradigm for seawater intrusion is proposed since the current paradigm (the Henry problem) fails to properly reproduce observed SWI wedges. Mixing is represented by means of a velocity dependent dispersion tensor in the new proposed problem. Thereby, we denote it as "dispersive Henry problem". SWI is characterized in terms of the wedge penetration, width of the mixing zone and influx of seawater. We find that the width of the mixing zone depends basically on dispersion, with longitudinal and transverse dispersion controlling different parts of the mixing zone but displaying similar overall effects. The wedge penetration is mainly controlled by the horizontal permeability and by the geometric mean of the dispersivities. Transverse dispersivity and the geometric mean of the hydraulic conductivity are the leading parameters controlling the amount of salt that enters the aquifer.Second, the effect of heterogeneity was studied by incorporating heterogeneity in the hydraulic permeability into the modified Henry problem. Results show that heterogeneity causes the toe to recede while increases both the width and slope of the mixing zone. The shape of the interface and the saltwater flux depends on the distribution of the permeability in each realization. However, the toe penetration and the width of the mixing zone do not show large fluctuations. Both variables are satisfactorily reproduced, in cases of moderate heterogeneity, by homogeneous media with equivalent permeability and either local or effective dispersivities.Third, the effect of aquifer geometry in horizontally large confined aquifers was analyzed. Lateral slope turned out to be a critical factor. Lateral slopes in the seaside boundary of more than 3% cause the development of horizontal convection cells. The deepest zones act as preferential zones for seawater to enter the aquifer and preferential discharging zones are developed in the upwards lateral margins. A dimensionless number, Nby, has been defined to estimate the relative importance of this effect.All these factors can be determinant to explain the evolution of salinity in aquifers such as the Main aquifer of the Llobregat delta. Finally, a management model of this aquifer is developed to optimally design corrective measures to restore the water quality of the aquifer. The application of two different optimization methodologies, a linear and a non-linear optimization method, allowed (1) to quantify the hydraulic efficiency of two potential corrective measures: two recharge ponds and a seawater intrusion barrier; (2) to determine the water necessary to be injected in each of these measures to restore the water quality of the aquifer while minimizing changes in the pumping regime and (3) to assess the sustainable pumping regime (with and without the implementation of additional measures) once the water quality has been restored. Shadow prices obtained from linear programming become a valuable tool to quantify the hydraulic efficiency of potential corrective measures to restore water quality in the aquifer.

Most coastal aquifers undergo seawater intrusion. Mitigating this risk depends on a sound knowledge of flow mechanisms, well located and constructed wells, an effective management, suitable policies and the desire to conserve the aquifer. To this end, a comprehensive geological model is essential. The single most important question that the geological model should address is the degree and nature of the connection of the aquifer to the sea. Differences in the connection explain why apparently similar coastal aquifers display very different salinitzation behavior. Some aquifers salinize with moderate pumping (eg. Tordera and Llobregat deltas) whereas others sustain large extractions with lower vulnerability to seawater intrusion (eg. Ter delta). However, the characterization of such a connection is not easy given the lack of onshore-offshore geological mapping potential pathways for seawater contamination. This thesis is focused on sequence stratigraphy, which is necessary to understand the onshore-offshore aquifer connection, thus modifying the classical hydrogeological conceptual models. The methodology of sequence stratigraphy offers a perspective of delta architecture based on geological controls and processes. Sequence stratigraphic concepts are used in Western Mediterranean deltas in addition to local factors, such as subsidence, uplift and the rate of sediment supply to account for differences in Pleistocene stratigraphic patterns and aquifer preservation. These local factors exert an influence over the shape, slope and thickness of aquifers. Together with the width of the continental shelf, the presence of submarine canyons, faults and thin prodelta layers conditions vulnerability to seawater intrusion. The Quaternary Mediterranean shelf is characterized by high-frequency depositional sequences mainly composed of large-scale regressive wedges with poor or poorly preserved transgressive to highstand intervals. Although the Llobregat delta is an anomaly, it serves as a paradigm of deltaic architecture because of its well preserved transgressive and highstand intervals. The well preserved coarse transgressive deposits are important from hydrogeological point of view. They act as aquifers with high lateral continuity from onshore to offshore providing paths for seawater intrusion.The excellent preservation in the Llobregat delta may be a consequence of Quaternary growth faults, which caused high accommodation space, limiting the action of wave and storm events. The identification of different seismic units and deformation features along the coast makes it possible to distinguish two main morpho-structural sectors. These sectors can be influenced by tectonic movements, which may be intensified by sediment supply changes.Detailed sedimentological, age and paleontological (foraminifera and ostracods) data display a cyclic vertical pattern of facies, including a high degree of reworked sediments. Available ages together with high sediment preservation due to constant subsidence and sediment supply during sea level rises allow us to establish a chronostratigraphic framework. The most significant and widespread erosion were interpreted as occurring during gradual sea-level falls with a frequency of 100 Kyr. glacial-interglacial cycles. However, most of the regressive deposits display complex internal architectures, which suggest the imprint of higher-frequency cycles. The stacking pattern of the modern Holocene delta is controlled by changes in the relative sea-level and in the sediment supply. Paleofloods frequencies controlled by climatic changes and intensified by anthropic activity caused an important progradational pulses in the Llobregat delta and the channel switching with the rapid abandonment of the delta lobes.