Marine Karst Systems: Hydrogeology and Marine Environmental Dynamics

Dear Colleagues,

Marine environment and coastal karst systems are diverse and highly dynamic, with direct interactions between the sea, the coast, and the land. There is exemplified across the planet, but the most interesting vital factors in the subsistence of ecosystems and habitats are coastal karst aquifers. The groundwater in these aquifers is in constant dynamic equilibrium with seawater. Any change in recharge or discharge, natural or otherwise, can modify this dynamic and alter the ecosystems that inhabit this area. Furthermore, the hydrogeology of these systems is complex since part of their relationship with the marine environment depends on the hierarchy of conduits that control the transit of groundwater, which is subsequently discharged into the sea. Furthermore, hydrogeological sites in contact with the sea are excellent proxies for research into climate change and the rise in sea level. The groundwater in these aquifers respond inertially and very rapidly to marine oscillations, whether through a rise in the water table, an increase in temperature, or alterations in the natural chemistry of the groundwater in these aquifers. Therefore, seawater intrusion is a very reliable indicator of sea level rise and, therefore, of a change in water chemistry. The salinization of these environments is probably one of the processes that most severely harms the planet's freshwater. Added to this is water pollution caused by human activities, as marine water, sediments and coastal areas are among the areas most subject to human pressure. Recent research highlights how coastal aquifer waters and marine coastal water contain high concentrations of heavy metals, microplastics, pathogens, and even viruses. Hydrogeology in marine karst systems serves as an excellent laboratory for the study of macro and microscopic life, since both the marine zone in contact with the coast and the subterranean zone of coastal aquifers contain unique ecosystems that survive thanks to the physicochemical characteristics of these environments. Marine karst systems controlled by hydrogeological dynamics and seawater are also noteworthy, such as wetlands, caves, underwater springs, or marine ecosystems. The rich hydrogeological marine karst heritage includes is expressed in the largest coastal cavities on the planet, Sac Actun or Ox Bel Ha (Mexico), the subaquatic springs near coastal reefs, lagoons, and wetland areas such as the Albufera of Mallorca and the Cabrera National Park, where caves, springs, endokarstic lakes, interesting coastal aquifers, and a pristine marine water environment can be found.

Dr. Pedro Robledo-Ardila
Dr. Carme Alomar
Guest Editors

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