Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Resources in Coastal Aquifers: Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments

Dear Colleagues,

Groundwater in coastal aquifers—critical freshwater sources for many communities—is highly vulnerable to climate change and human pressures. Climate change impacts groundwater systems directly by altering recharge rates and indirectly influencing land use, irrigation demands, and many other factors. Human-induced pressures, such as intensified groundwater extraction, have also caused significant declines in groundwater storage and quality in many regions.

Coastal aquifers are at risk from saltwater intrusion, aggravated by sea-level rise and groundwater over-exploitation, potentially leading to substantially reduced freshwater availability.

To tackle these challenges, both qualitative and quantitative assessments are essential. These should integrate statistical analyses, hydrological models, field studies (aquifer characterization, sampling, monitoring, etc.), and advanced remote sensing techniques to comprehensively understand the impacts of climate change on coastal aquifers and develop sustainable management strategies.

This Special Issue aims to compile original research articles and reviews that provide insights into the vulnerability of coastal aquifers to natural and human-induced pressures. We welcome manuscripts that contribute to innovative solutions to safeguard groundwater resources and ensure sustainable water supplies in the face of climate change.

This Special Issue will focus on the following themes:

• Vulnerability of Coastal Aquifers: Exploring the susceptibility of coastal aquifers to climate change and human activities.
• Risk of Saltwater Intrusion: Emphasizing the increasing vulnerability of coastal aquifers to saltwater intrusion, driven by sea-level rise and over-abstraction.
• Methodological Approaches: Highlighting statistical analyses, hydrological models, field studies, and advanced remote sensing to assess and manage groundwater vulnerability.
• Sustainable Management Strategies: Addressing the need for innovative strategies to sustainably manage groundwater resources under changing climatic conditions.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Dr. Maria Rosaria Alfio
Dr. Francesco Maria De Filippi
Dr. Yong Xiao
Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Güler
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• groundwater
• coastal aquifer
• salinization
• climate change
• sea-level rise
• drought
• vulnerability assessment