When has submarine groundwater discharge discovered for the first time?4 answersSubmarine groundwater discharge (SGD) was first discovered to have a significant impact on coastal ocean acidification rates in Hong Kong's coastal waters, as highlighted in a study by Hanson and Sanders. Additionally, investigations in the Coleroon River estuary in India by Prakash et al. revealed the influence of SGD on trace element fluxes, emphasizing the potential consequences of increasing trace elements on harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. Furthermore, studies in Jiaozhou Bay, China, by Luo et al. utilized naturally occurring isotopes to assess SGD rates, indicating that SGD rates were about 8-14 times higher than local river discharge rates, emphasizing the substantial influence of SGD on nutrient levels and water eutrophication in coastal waters. These studies collectively underscore the crucial role of SGD in various coastal environments and its implications on water quality and ecosystem health.
What is the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems?5 answersCoastal and marine ecosystems play a crucial role in providing essential services to humanity. These ecosystems, covering a small percentage of the Earth's surface, are vital for food security, raw materials for medicines, and economic activities like fisheries and tourism. They offer a wide array of ecosystem services, including provisioning services like seafood supply, cultural services promoting human health and wellbeing, and regulating services such as climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. However, these ecosystems face numerous threats like overexploitation, pollution, and climate change, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Sustainable management practices are crucial to safeguard these ecosystems and ensure the long-term health of marine environments, sustaining benefits for millions who rely on marine resources.
Effect of climate change on coastal aquifers in arid regions ?4 answersClimate change has significant impacts on coastal aquifers in arid regions. The rise in sea levels due to global warming leads to land submergence and an increase in hydraulic head of seawater at the seaside boundary. This results in the loss of land and degradation of groundwater quality in coastal areas. Groundwater resources in these aquifers are also at risk of depletion due to extensive pumping. The severity of these impacts varies depending on the specific aquifer. For example, in the Nile Delta aquifer, vast areas will be submerged by seawater due to its low altitude and flat nature. Numerical simulations show that both the Nile Delta aquifer and the Wadi Ham aquifer in the United Arab Emirates will be affected, but to different degrees.
What are the different types of groundwater discharges?5 answersGroundwater discharges can occur in various forms. One form is the flow through an immobile granular matrix, known as suffusion and suffosion. Suffusion involves sediment movement that does not impact soil stability, while suffosion creates changes to soil stability and volume. Another form is the flow through preferential pathways, often treated as pipes. Preferential flow can arise from cracks in cohesive materials or localized fluidization of non-cohesive soils, leading to sand boils. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is another type of groundwater discharge, where groundwater flows from continental margins to the coastal ocean. SGD includes both fresh groundwater from aquifer recharge and seawater recirculation through the coastal aquifer. Groundwater discharge can also occur along channelized streams, with diffuse discharge occurring where the stream is incised into the regional gravel aquifer, and focused discharge occurring where the channel intersects preferential pathways within the confining unit.
What are the effects of climate change on seawater intrusion in coastal regions?5 answersSea level rise (SLR) due to climate change can lead to seawater intrusion in coastal regions. SLR affects coastal aquifers, causing coastal erosion and inundation. The halosteric effect, which considers changes in seawater density, significantly influences sea level changes. Studies have shown that SLR projections for the year 2050 range from 8.64 cm to 12.96 cm under different emission scenarios. Seawater intrusion can have adverse effects on freshwater resources and agricultural production. However, simulations have indicated that the effect of SLR on seawater intrusion may be negligible in some cases. Integrated management approaches, such as placing aquifer fill materials along the shoreline and implementing physical surface barriers, can help retard seawater intrusion and protect fresh groundwater bodies. Numerical modeling has been used to understand and predict seawater intrusion, and future scenarios suggest that high sea level rise predictions can severely affect coastal ecosystems. Salinity intrusion into rivers is also a concern, with projected impacts on agricultural areas.
What is the role of groundwater extraction in subsidence?3 answersGroundwater extraction plays a significant role in subsidence. In many cities, such as Lahore, Hanoi and Bangkok, Kolkata, and Wuxi City, excessive groundwater pumping has led to land subsidence. The extraction of groundwater causes the decline in the piezometric head, resulting in the compaction of aquifer systems and subsequent subsidence. The areas with high groundwater discharge are particularly prone to subsidence, while the surroundings may experience uplift. The subsidence is more pronounced in areas with alluvial and clay deposits and large building structures. The spatial characteristics of subsidence are influenced by factors such as the distribution of groundwater levels, thickness and compressibility of different strata, distance from the pumped aquifer, and distribution of pumping. To mitigate subsidence, it is necessary to control groundwater pumping and reduce extraction.