The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Climate change impacts on groundwater and dependent ecosystems

På svenska

Author

  • Bjorn Klove
  • Pertti Ala-Aho
  • Guillaume Bertrand
  • Jason J. Gurdak
  • Hans Kupfersberger
  • Jens Kvaerner
  • Timo Muotka
  • Heikki Mykra
  • Elena Preda
  • Pekka Rossi
  • Cintia Bertacchi Uvo
  • Elzie Velasco
  • Manuel Pulido-Velazquez
Show all

Summary, in English

Aquifers and groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are facing increasing pressure from water consumption, irrigation and climate change. These pressures modify groundwater levels and their temporal patterns and threaten vital ecosystem services such as arable land irrigation and ecosystem water requirements, especially during droughts. This review examines climate change effects on groundwater and dependent ecosystems. The mechanisms affecting natural variability in the global climate and the consequences of climate and land use changes due to anthropogenic influences are summarised based on studies from different hydrogeological strata and climate zones. The impacts on ecosystems are discussed based on current findings on factors influencing the biodiversity and functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The influence of changes to groundwater on GDE biodiversity and future threats posed by climate change is reviewed, using information mainly from surface water studies and knowledge of aquifer and groundwater ecosystems. Several gaps in research are identified. Due to lack of understanding of several key processes, the uncertainty associated with management techniques such as numerical modelling is high. The possibilities and roles of new methodologies such as indicators and modelling methods are discussed in the context of integrated groundwater resources management. Examples are provided of management impacts on groundwater, with recommendations on sustainable management of groundwater. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Publishing year

2014

Language

English

Pages

250-266

Publication/Series

Journal of Hydrology

Volume

518

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Water Engineering

Keywords

  • Groundwater
  • Climate
  • Ecosystems
  • Global change
  • Land use
  • Management

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0022-1694