Groundwater Resources and Salt Water Intrusion in a Changing Environment

Dear Colleagues,

The salinisation of groundwater resources can be caused by natural phenomena and anthropogenic activities. Approximately 16% of the total area of continental Earth is potentially involved in groundwater salinisation; seawater intrusion can be considered to be the prevalent phenomenon in terms of potential effects and risks. Water and chemical fluxes, including nutrient loading, at the terrestrial/marine interface and across the sea floor, provide an important linkage between terrestrial and marine environments.

Climate and global change impacts on the hydrological cycle, water resources and ecosystems pose great challenges for global water and ecosystem management especially where the ecological equilibria are strongly depending on groundwater-surface water interaction. The climate change scenarios require new and improved integrated tools for the assessment of climate change impacts on the hydrological cycle. Coastal aquifers and ecosystems are currently under pressure globally from overexploitation and saltwater intrusion. Population growth and progressive gathering in coastal areas, climate change and sea level rise will enhance the pressures and the need for protection and sustainable management of coastal groundwater resources and ecosystems for coastal communities in the future.

This Special Issue of Water calls any contribution on previous subjects which include any useful innovative scientific activities. A non-exhaustive list of desired contributions includes tools, equipment, methods, modelling, and/or experiences on: Hydrogeological, geophysical, geochemical mapping and characterization of the subsurface involving the distribution of freshwater and saltwater; assessment of climate change impact on groundwater resources in coastal areas in terms of quantity and quality and ecosystem status; tools for efficient online visualization and dissemination; risk and vulnerability assessment methods; management approaches; and monitoring experiences.

Dr. Maurizio Polemio
Prof. Dr. Kristine Walraevens
Guest Editors

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