Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater-Seawater Interactions in Coastal Zones

The interface between fresh continental groundwater and seawater in the coastal zone is a critical area for geochemical processes that can lead to the degradation of freshwater resources and influence the input of terrestrial pollutants to coastal environments. This interface is increasingly affected by sea level rise and changing precipitation patterns due to climate change. Over the past two decades, significant advancements have been made in quantifying groundwater discharge into coastal zones using geochemical tracers and radio-isotopes. However, uncertainties remain in these quantifications and in understanding the role of groundwater in coastal ecology. Emerging technologies, such as drones, offer potential for better insights into groundwater-coastal interactions, but research in this area is still limited. Additionally, saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers poses a significant threat to freshwater resources, with climate change potentially exacerbating this issue. While the impact of human overconsumption on coastal aquifers is well-documented, the influence of climate change on these processes remains speculative and requires further investigation.

This research topic aims to advance understanding regarding several critical questions: How will changing precipitation patterns affect groundwater availability and movement, both in the short and long term? What impact will sea level rise have on saltwater intrusion, and how does geology influence this process? How will rapid coastal development alter coastal hydrogeology, and are there technological advancements that could improve future water resource management? Addressing these questions necessitates a deeper understanding and quantification of the phenomena occurring at the groundwater-seawater interface. Given the importance of water as a vital resource, it is crucial to enhance our management of groundwater resources in the context of climate change and rising sea levels.

To gather further insights into the interactions between groundwater and seawater in coastal zones, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- New fieldwork techniques to quantify submarine groundwater discharge
- New models to predict the interplay at the subterranean estuary based on recharge changes or sea level rise due to climate change, using the RCP scenarios
- Case studies of groundwater availability in the face of climate change, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS)
- Technological advancements in monitoring and managing coastal groundwater resources
- The impact of coastal development on hydrogeological processes
- The role of geochemical tracers and radio-isotopes in understanding groundwater-seawater interactions

Keywords: Submarine Groundwater Discharge, Saline Intrusion, Coastal Aquifers, Subterranean Estuary, Groundwater exploitation

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