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Geology

Geology and geomorphology influence the movement of water and are thus critical factors affecting the occurrence of salinity. The type of rock can also influence the amount of salt available.

Some rock types are more likely to contribute to salinity problems than others because of their composition and texture, for example, there is an association between salinity and many of the fine-grained sedimentary rocks. The structure or deformation the rocks have undergone is important, for example, the structure of highly fractured rocks may allow the regional movement of water though them.

The form of the land's surface, or topography, is also crucial in determining the location of salinity outbreaks. Groundwater tends to move from hill slopes down to the valley floor. It may rise to the surface due to factors such as changes in soil properties and changes in geology in relation to the shape of the land surface. Some of the situations are illustrated in the diagram below.