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SAITO, Mitsuyo, Jun YASUMOTO, and Ayumi SUGIYAMA. "Groundwater and ecosystems." Journal of Groundwater Hydrology 62, no. 4 (November 30, 2020): 525–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.5917/jagh.62.525.
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Springer, Abraham E. "Groundwater and Ecosystems." Groundwater 52, no. 2 (January 22, 2014): 173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12163.
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MacKay, Heather. "Protection and management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems: emerging challenges and potential approaches for policy and management." Australian Journal of Botany 54, no. 2 (2006): 231. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt05047.
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The protection of ecosystems associated with groundwater, and thus potentially vulnerable to groundwater exploitation, is only now being recognised as an important aspect of water management. Although there has been a gradual increase in scientific understanding of the links between groundwater availability and ecosystem health, a significant challenge remains in the development and implementation of policy that adequately addresses the protection of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. There is no single right way to solve the problem of protecting groundwater-dependent ecosystems, while still allowing the use of groundwater to support social and economic development, poverty alleviation and improved food and water security. This paper provides a global perspective in examining the potential impacts of the lack of policy, or poor implementation of policy, related to groundwater-dependent ecosystems, and discusses emerging approaches in this field. The following two important factors are considered in the paper: first, the difficulty of managing typically local- and regional-scale problems associated with groundwater exploitation, by using national-scale policy interventions and regulation; second, the need to shorten the cycle from science to policy and regulation, and thence to management activities on the ground, in order to encourage policy shifts in the short to medium term that better reflect the available scientific knowledge of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
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Tomlinson, Moya, and Andrew J. Boulton. "Ecology and management of subsurface groundwater dependent ecosystems in Australia - a review." Marine and Freshwater Research 61, no. 8 (2010): 936. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf09267.
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As demand for consumptive use of groundwater escalates, the need for careful management becomes more pressing. Water reforms in Australia require explicit recognition of environmental needs in water resource plans, but subsurface groundwater dependent ecosystems (SGDEs) are rarely provided for. The ecological values of these sequestered ecosystems are not well documented and are readily overlooked. We review the biodiversity, ecological processes and ecosystem services of Australian SGDEs and highlight the ecological relevance of their connectivity with other ecosystems. A lack of attention to SGDEs in groundwater plans risks inadequate provision for environmental water requirements with probable impacts on ecological values, water quality and ecosystem goods and services in SGDEs and connected ecosystems. We suggest an ecohydrogeological approach to understanding the implications of anthropogenic disturbance on SGDEs based on their connectivity to other ecosystems and aquifer permeability. As well as a template for comparative research on the biogeochemistry and ecology of SGDEs in Australia and overseas, this conceptual tool has potential application in conservation planning, water resource assessment and environmental impact assessment.
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Eamus, D., S. Zolfaghar, R. Villalobos-Vega, J. Cleverly, and A. Huete. "Groundwater-dependent ecosystems: recent insights, new techniques and an ecosystem-scale threshold response." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions 12, no. 5 (May 4, 2015): 4677–754. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hessd-12-4677-2015.
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Abstract. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are at risk globally due to unsustainable levels of groundwater extraction, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In this review, we examine recent developments in the ecohydrology of GDEs with a focus on three knowledge gaps: (1) how do we locate GDEs, (2) how much water is transpired from shallow aquifers by GDEs; and (3) what are the responses of GDEs to excessive groundwater extraction? The answers to these questions will determine water allocations that are required to sustain functioning of GDEs and to guide regulations on groundwater extraction to avoid negative impacts on GDEs. We discuss three methods for identifying GDEs: (1) fluctuations in depth-to-groundwater that are associated with diurnal variations in transpiration, (2) stable isotope analysis of water sources in the transpiration stream; and (3) remote sensing methods. We then discuss several methods for estimating rates of GW use, including direct measurement using sapflux or eddy covariance technologies, estimation of a climate wetness index within a Budyko framework, spatial distribution of ET using remote sensing, groundwater modelling and stable isotopes. Remote sensing methods often rely on direct measurements to calibrate the relationship between vegetation indices and ET. ET from GDEs is also determined using hydrologic models of varying complexity, from the "White method" to fully coupled, variable saturation models. Combinations of methods are typically employed to obtain clearer insight into the components of groundwater discharge in GDEs, such as the proportional importance of transpiration vs. evaporation (e.g., using stable isotopes) or from groundwater vs. rainwater sources. Groundwater extraction can have severe consequences on structure and function of GDEs. In the most extreme cases, phreatophytes experience crown dieback and death following groundwater drawdown. We provide a brief review of two case studies of the impacts of GW extraction and discuss the use of C isotope ratios in xylem to reveal past influences of GW extraction. We conclude with a discussion of a depth-to-groundwater threshold in mesic and semi-arid GDEs. Across this threshold, significant changes occur in ecosystem structure and function.
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C. Nevill, Jon, Peter J. Hancock, Brad R. Murray, Winston F. Ponder, William F. Humphreys, Megan L. Phillips, and Philip K. Groom. "Groundwater-dependent ecosystems and the dangers of groundwater overdraft: a review and an Australian perspective." Pacific Conservation Biology 16, no. 3 (2010): 187. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc100187.
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In many parts of the world, access to groundwater is needed for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses, and global groundwater exploitation continues to increase. The significance of groundwater in maintaining the health of rivers, streams, wetlands and associated vegetation is often underestimated or ignored, resulting in a lack of scrutiny of groundwater policy and management. It is essential that management of groundwater resources considers the needs of natural ecosystems, including subterranean. We review the limited Australian literature on the ecological impacts of groundwater overdraft and place Australian information within an international context, focusing on lentic, lotic, stygobitic and hyporheic communities as well as riparian and phreatophytic vegetation, and some coastal marine ecosystems. Groundwater overdraft, defined as abstracting groundwater at a rate which prejudices ecosystem or anthropocentric values, can substantially impact natural communities which depend, exclusively or seasonally, on groundwater. Overdraft damage is often underestimated, is sometimes irreversible, and may occur over time scales at variance to those used by water management agencies in modelling, planning and regulation. Given the dangers of groundwater overdraft, we discuss policy implications in the light of the precautionary principle, and make recommendations aimed at promoting the conservation of groundwater-dependent ecosystems within a sustainable use context.
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O'Grady, A. P., J. L. Carter, and J. Bruce. "Can we predict groundwater discharge from terrestrial ecosystems using eco-hydrological principals?" Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions 8, no. 4 (August 31, 2011): 8231–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hessd-8-8231-2011.
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Abstract. There is increasing recognition of the role that groundwater plays in the maintenance of ecosystem structure and function. As a result, water resources planners need to develop an understanding of the water requirements for these ecosystems. However, their capacity to do this is constrained by a lack of empirical information on groundwater discharge from terrestrial systems. In this study we reviewed estimates of groundwater discharge from around Australia focussing particularly on terrestrial groundwater discharge. The review examined detailed water balance studies where discharge has been identified as a component of evapotranspiration and we have explored this data set for empirical relationships that could be used to aid in predicting groundwater discharge in data poor areas. In general, terrestrial groundwater systems discharging groundwater lie above the theoretical water limit line as defined by the Budyko framework. However, when climate wetness was recalculated to include groundwater discharge there was remarkable convergence of these sites along the water limit line. Similarly, the leaf area index of ecosystems with access to groundwater had higher LAI than those without access to groundwater, for a given climatic regime. However, when discharge was included in the calculation of climate wetness index there was again strong convergence between the two systems, providing support for ecological optimality frameworks that maximize LAI under given water availability regimes. The simplicity and utility of these simple ecohydrological insights potentially provide a valuable tool for predicting groundwater discharge from terrestrial ecosystems.
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GRIEBLER, C., and T. LUEDERS. "Microbial biodiversity in groundwater ecosystems." Freshwater Biology 54, no. 4 (April 2009): 649–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2008.02013.x.
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Murray, Brad R., Grant C. Hose, Derek Eamus, and Damian Licari. "Valuation of groundwater-dependent ecosystems: a functional methodology incorporating ecosystem services." Australian Journal of Botany 54, no. 2 (2006): 221. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt05018.
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Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are ecosystems that must have access to groundwater to maintain their ecological structure and function. Rapidly expanding numbers of humans are placing increased demands on groundwater for consumption, industry and agriculture. These demands alter groundwater regimes of GDEs that have evolved over millennia, resulting in the degradation of ecosystem health. As a consequence, the goods and services (ecosystem services) that GDEs provide for humans, which include food production and water purification, are at serious risk of being lost. Effective management of GDEs and their ecosystem services requires prioritisation of the most valuable ecosystems, given that increasing human demands and limited time and money preclude complete protection of all GDEs. Here, we provide an eight-step method for the valuation and initial prioritisation of GDEs. The proposed methodology improves on previous, primarily subjective methods for the valuation of GDEs by employing both economic valuation of the ecosystem services provided by GDEs, and ecological valuation of significant environmental attributes of GDEs. We apply the eight-step method to a hypothetical case study in order to demonstrate its applicability to a catchment containing a range of GDEs of different sizes, each possessing its own suite of threatened taxa. The major benefit of the valuation methodology presented here is that it can be used at three levels of complexity: (1) a full-desktop study, (2) a semi-desktop study requiring stakeholder consultation, and (3) a full field-based study, according to the time and money available for initial prioritisation efforts.
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ESTEBAN, ENCARNA, and ARIEL DINAR. "THE ROLE OF GROUNDWATER-DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEMS IN GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT." Natural Resource Modeling 29, no. 1 (December 16, 2015): 98–129. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nrm.12082.
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Cruz, José Virgílio, Rui Coutinho, César Andrade, Dina Medeiros, and Raquel Cymbron. "Identification and Mapping of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in the AZORES Volcanic Archipelago (Portugal)." Water 14, no. 7 (April 1, 2022): 1126. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w14071126.
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Groundwater contributes to the maintenance of the functioning of ecosystems, through aspects related to hydrodynamics and chemical composition. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDE) also offer a wide spectrum of ecosystem services to populations; therefore, their identification and mapping, which is the focus of the present paper, is of high value to environmental policies; for example, WFD envisages protecting both water bodies and GDE. An ecosystem dependence index was applied to proceed with this task in the Azores archipelago, being estimated by adding the values of three partial variables (spring density; wetlands/lakes; river baseflow) over a 10 by 10 m2 grid; with this methodology avoiding pitfalls due to lack of data. The results enabled the identification and mapping of five GDE, in Flores and São Miguel islands, supported by only three of the 28 groundwater bodies delimited in the Azores RBD. Those groundwater bodies are considered to have a good status according to the WFD requirements; thus, GDE, regardless of their typology, are not at risk of deterioration as a result of the interaction with groundwater. Nevertheless, other studies have shown that some GDE are in conflicting ecological areas and require specific management and protection measures, coupling land use and water resource planning.
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O'Grady, A. P., J. L. Carter, and J. Bruce. "Can we predict groundwater discharge from terrestrial ecosystems using existing eco-hydrological concepts?" Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 15, no. 12 (December 15, 2011): 3731–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3731-2011.
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Abstract. There is increasing recognition of the role that groundwater plays in the maintenance of ecosystem structure and function. As a result, water resources planners need to develop an understanding of the water requirements for these ecosystems. In this study we reviewed estimates of groundwater discharge from terrestrial vegetation communities around Australia and explored this data set for empirical relationships that could be used to predict groundwater discharge in data poor areas. In particular we explored how leaf area index and the water balance of groundwater systems conformed to two existing ecohydrological frameworks; the Budyko framework, which describes the partitioning of rainfall into evapotranspiration and runoff within a simple supply and demand framework, and Eagleson's theory of ecological optimality. We demonstrate strong convergence with the predictions of both frameworks. Terrestrial groundwater systems discharging groundwater lie above the water limit line as defined in the Budyko framework. However, when climate wetness was recalculated to include groundwater discharge there was remarkable convergence of these sites along this water limit line. Thus, we found that there was a strong correlation between estimates of evapotranspiration derived from the Budyko's relationship with observed estimates of evapotranspiration. Similarly, the LAI of ecosystems with access to groundwater have higher LAI than those without access to groundwater, for a given climatic regime. However, again when discharge was included in the calculation of climate wetness index there was again strong convergence between the two systems, providing support for ecological optimality frameworks that maximize LAI under given water availability regimes. The simplicity and utility of these simple ecohydrological insights potentially provide a valuable tool for predicting groundwater discharge from terrestrial ecosystems, especially in data poor areas.
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Eamus, Derek, Ray Froend, Robyn Loomes, Grant Hose, and Brad Murray. "A functional methodology for determining the groundwater regime needed to maintain the health of groundwater-dependent vegetation." Australian Journal of Botany 54, no. 2 (2006): 97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt05031.
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In the past, the phrase ‘environmental allocations of water’ has most often been taken to mean allocation of water to rivers. However, it is now accepted that groundwater-dependent ecosystems are an important feature of Australian landscapes and require an allocation of water to maintain their persistence in the landscape. However, moving from this theoretical realisation to the provision and implementation of a field-based management regime is extremely difficult. The following four fundamental questions are identified as being central to the effective management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs): (1) How do we identify GDEs in the field; put another way, which species or species assemblages or habitats are reliant on a supply of groundwater for their persistence in the landscape; (2) what groundwater regime is required to ensure the persistence of a GDE; (3) how can managers of natural resources (principally water and habitats), with limited time, money and other resources, successfully manage GDEs; and (4) what measures of ecosystem function can be monitored to ensure that management is effective? This paper explicitly addresses these questions and provides a step-by-step theoretical and practical framework for providing answers. In particular, this paper provides an introduction to some of the relevant literature and from this, presents a synthesis, presented in the form of a functional methodology for managing groundwater dependent ecosystems.
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Gannon, Collin. "Legal Protection for Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems." Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law, no. 4.1 (2014): 183. http://dx.doi.org/10.36640/mjeal.4.1.legal.
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This Note concerns the legal protection of groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the United States and abroad. By first describing the science and ecology of ecosystems that are dependent on groundwater and then surveying the current American legal system that fails to adequately protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs), this Note proposes legal reforms that could vastly improve groundwater management systems. State protection of GDEs is sparse and often only operates indirectly as a result of states’ water policies focused on water quantity upkeep for consumptive purposes. Part I provides an overview of GDEs. Part II discusses state legal protection, including indirect state protection measures and the public trust doctrine. Part III gives an assessment of the federal government’s ability to protect GDEs. The federal government may explicitly reserve federal water rights to protect GDEs through the Winters Doctrine, which has successfully protected some at-risk ecosystems by ensuring adequate groundwater resources within federally reserved lands. Additionally, the federal government, like the states, can also indirectly protect GDEs. As highlighted in this Note, such federal actions include attempts to influence state policies through education concerning the hydrological connectivity of surface and ground waters, and thus the necessity to sustainably manage water sources, as well as threats regarding federal funding which effectively forced states to adopt those sustainable water management policies. The Endangered Species Act has unsurprisingly had considerable success in protecting GDEs, but this success is necessarily restricted to situations in which a threatened or endangered species is present. This Note also includes an analysis of the Sporhase Doctrine, which involves the protection of GDEs by requiring the open trade of groundwater resources through the Dormant Commerce Clause. But in practice, this doctrine has been generally ineffective.
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van Dijk, H. F. G., and F. A. M. de Haan. "Risks of pesticides to groundwater ecosystems." Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 3, no. 2 (May 1997): 151–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10807039709383678.
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Howard, Jeanette, and Matt Merrifield. "Mapping Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in California." PLoS ONE 5, no. 6 (June 23, 2010): e11249. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0011249.
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Stournaras, George. "Groundwater bodies in ecology and ecosystems." Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology 11, no. 3-4 (January 2011): 159–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10104-011-0047-y.
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Humphreys, William F. "Aquifers: the ultimate groundwater-dependent ecosystems." Australian Journal of Botany 54, no. 2 (2006): 115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt04151.
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Australian aquifers support diverse metazoan faunas comprising obligate groundwater inhabitants, largely crustaceans but also including insects, worms, gastropods, mites and fish. They typically comprise short-range endemics, often of relictual lineages and sometimes widely vicariant from their closest relatives. They have been confined to subterranean environments from a range of geological eras and may contain information on the deep history of aquifers. Obligate groundwater fauna (stygobites) occurs in the void spaces in karst, alluvial and fractured rock aquifers. They have convergent morphologies (reduction or loss of eyes, pigment, enhanced non-optic senses, vermiform body form) and depend on energy imported from the surface except in special cases of in situ chemoautotrophic energy fixation. In Australia, many stygofaunas in arid areas occur in brackish to saline waters, although they contain taxa from lineages generally restricted to freshwater systems. They may occur alongside species belonging to taxa considered typical of the marine littoral although far removed in space and time from marine influence. The ecological attributes of stygofauna makes them vulnerable to changes in habitat, which, combined with their taxonomic affinities, makes them a significant issue to biodiversity conservation. The interaction of vegetation and groundwater ecosystems is discussed and, in places, there are conservation issues common to both.
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BROWN, LEE E., ALEXANDER M. MILNER, and DAVID M. HANNAH. "Groundwater influence on alpine stream ecosystems." Freshwater Biology 52, no. 5 (May 2007): 878–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2007.01739.x.
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Boulton, Andrew J., Graham D. Fenwick, Peter J. Hancock, and Mark S. Harvey. "Biodiversity, functional roles and ecosystem services of groundwater invertebrates." Invertebrate Systematics 22, no. 2 (2008): 103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/is07024.
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Recent surveys of groundwater invertebrates (stygofauna) worldwide are yielding rich troves of biodiversity, with significant implications for invertebrate systematists and phylogeneticists as well as ecologists and groundwater managers. What is the ecological significance of this high biodiversity of invertebrates in some aquifers? How might it influence groundwater ecosystem services such as water purification or bioremediation? In terrestrial ecosystems, biodiversity is typically positively correlated with rates of ecosystem functions beneficial to humans (e.g. crop pollination). However, the links between biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services in groundwater are unknown. In some aquifers, feeding, movement and excretion by diverse assemblages of stygofauna potentially enhance groundwater ecosystem services such as water purification, bioremediation and water infiltration. Further, as specific taxa apparently play ‘keystone’ roles in facilitating ecosystem services, declines in abundance or even their extinction have serious repercussions. One way to assess the functional significance of biodiversity is to identify ‘ecosystem service providers’, characterise their functional relationships, determine how service provision is affected by community structure and environmental variables, and measure the spatio-temporal scales over which these operate. Examples from Australian and New Zealand alluvial aquifers reveal knowledge gaps in understanding the functional importance of most stygofauna, hampering effective protection of currently undervalued groundwater ecosystem services.
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Danielopol, Dan L., Christian Griebler, Amara Gunatilaka, and Jos Notenboom. "Present state and future prospects for groundwater ecosystems." Environmental Conservation 30, no. 2 (June 2003): 104–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0376892903000109.
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Ecological and socioeconomic aspects of subterranean hydrosystems have changed during the past 40–50 years. The major environmental pressures (mainly anthropogenic ones) impact the quantity and quality of groundwater resources and the state of subsurface ecosystems, and it is expected that the environmental pressures on groundwater will continue, at least until 2025, unless new environmental policies change this state of affairs. The world demographic increase and the general rise of water demand constitute one of the major environmental pressures on groundwater ecosystems especially in less developed countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Specific human activities leading to the depletion of groundwater reserves include agricultural practices, landscape alteration, urbanization demand for domestic and public drinking water, various industrial activities such as thermoelectric production and mining, and the rise of tourism in coastal areas. Climate change is contributing to the water crisis too, especially in areas with arid climate and/or in some humid monsoonal countries. The overload of aquifers with pollutants derived from agriculture (fertilizers and pesticides), from industry (release of hydrocarbon chemicals, especially spills), from waste and industrial waters, from domestic and industrial landfills, from the infiltration of pollutants from surface and from the intrusion of saline water affect groundwater quality. The dangerous increase in contaminated subsurface sites with chemicals and microbial pathogens brings with it health risks to humans. Changes of redox condition in groundwater zones, changes of biological diversity, vegetation changes with modification of agriculture practices and impacts at the biosphere scale, such as the increase in the concentration of nitrous oxides in the atmosphere, all impact groundwater ecosystems. Groundwater ecosystems must be better investigated and understood. Economic, social and ecological lines of thinking have to be combined in order to achieve meaningful policies for the sustainable development of groundwater reserves and for the protection of subsurface ecosystems. Practical measures and ideas for the development of policies up to the 2025 time-horizon should improve the sustainable usage of the world's groundwater resources.
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Hernandez, Jonathan O. "Ecophysiological Effects of Groundwater Drawdown on Phreatophytes: Research Trends during the Last Three Decades." Land 11, no. 11 (November 17, 2022): 2061. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land11112061.
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A systematic synthesis of phreatophytes’ responses to groundwater drawdown would provide a more complete picture of groundwater-related research aimed at the sustainable management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems amid climate change. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the ecophysiological effects of groundwater drawdown on phreatophytes and methodological approaches were synthesized from peer-reviewed articles published from 1988 to 2022. The highest relative count of studies was found in arid and semi-arid high-income countries, such as Australia and North America (18–24%), while the lowest relative count to no data was found in hyper-arid countries, such as north African countries (0–3.65%). The groundwater depth effects on phreatophyte ecophysiology had the highest relative count (53.65%), followed by large-scale tree plantation effects on the groundwater characteristics (44.37%) and groundwater depth and biological invasion relationship (1.99%). The results revealed that as the groundwater depth increased, the phreatophytic vegetation growth, productivity, and community structure decreased across the ecosystem types. A groundwater withdrawal also had a significant impact on the physiology of the phreatophytes, specifically on the transpiration rate, xylem water potential, hydraulic conductance, and photosynthetic rate. Many of the reviewed studies concluded that large-scale tree plantations can deplete groundwater resources due to an increased evapotranspiration rate. Further, species’ diversity, evenness, dominance, composition, and distribution, as well as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), are commonly measured parameters in the reviewed studies through vegetation and groundwater monitoring. Amid applied and contemporary problems, this synthesis may provide researchers with cues to conduct studies relevant to the integrated and sustainable conservation and management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems, particularly in data-poor, hyper-arid countries.
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Krogulec, Ewa, Sebastian Zabłocki, and Katarzyna Sawicka. "Changes in groundwater regime during vegetation period in Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems." Acta Geologica Polonica 66, no. 3 (September 1, 2016): 527–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/agp-2016-0024.
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Abstract An analysis of the dynamics of groundwater levels in the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs), which cover a vast part of the middle Vistula River valley in central Poland was carried out. The study area, typical of large river valleys, was investigated by detailed monitoring of groundwater levels. Based on statistical analysis and the geo-statistical modeling of monitoring data for 1999-2013, the range and dynamics of groundwater level fluctuations were determined for the entire interval and for the vegetation periods. The values of retention and infiltration recharge in various periods were compared with average values, indicating intervals of potential groundwater deficiency in GDEs. The amplitude of groundwater fluctuations, retention and infiltration were determined for vegetation periods characterized by the highest water intake by plants and the highest evapotranspiration. Particular attention has been drawn to the analysis of low groundwater levels in the vegetation periods, with water deficiencies potentially threatening the correct functioning of plant communities in GDEs. Moreover, the study has allowed us to indicate areas with insufficient groundwater levels during vegetation periods that may be hazardous to plant communities. The results may be a basis for the elaboration of correct management plans, protection measures and projects, or GDE renaturalization.
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Eamus, D., S. Zolfaghar, R. Villalobos-Vega, J. Cleverly, and A. Huete. "Groundwater-dependent ecosystems: recent insights from satellite and field-based studies." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 19, no. 10 (October 21, 2015): 4229–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4229-2015.
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Abstract. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are at risk globally due to unsustainable levels of groundwater extraction, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In this review, we examine recent developments in the ecohydrology of GDEs with a focus on three knowledge gaps: (1) how do we locate GDEs, (2) how much water is transpired from shallow aquifers by GDEs and (3) what are the responses of GDEs to excessive groundwater extraction? The answers to these questions will determine water allocations that are required to sustain functioning of GDEs and to guide regulations on groundwater extraction to avoid negative impacts on GDEs. We discuss three methods for identifying GDEs: (1) techniques relying on remotely sensed information; (2) fluctuations in depth-to-groundwater that are associated with diurnal variations in transpiration; and (3) stable isotope analysis of water sources in the transpiration stream. We then discuss several methods for estimating rates of GW use, including direct measurement using sapflux or eddy covariance technologies, estimation of a climate wetness index within a Budyko framework, spatial distribution of evapotranspiration (ET) using remote sensing, groundwater modelling and stable isotopes. Remote sensing methods often rely on direct measurements to calibrate the relationship between vegetation indices and ET. ET from GDEs is also determined using hydrologic models of varying complexity, from the White method to fully coupled, variable saturation models. Combinations of methods are typically employed to obtain clearer insight into the components of groundwater discharge in GDEs, such as the proportional importance of transpiration versus evaporation (e.g. using stable isotopes) or from groundwater versus rainwater sources. Groundwater extraction can have severe consequences for the structure and function of GDEs. In the most extreme cases, phreatophytes experience crown dieback and death following groundwater drawdown. We provide a brief review of two case studies of the impacts of GW extraction and then provide an ecosystem-scale, multiple trait, integrated metric of the impact of differences in groundwater depth on the structure and function of eucalypt forests growing along a natural gradient in depth-to-groundwater. We conclude with a discussion of a depth-to-groundwater threshold in this mesic GDE. Beyond this threshold, significant changes occur in ecosystem structure and function.
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Korbel, K. L., R. P. Lim, and G. C. Hose. "An inter-catchment comparison of groundwater biota in the cotton-growing region of north-western New South Wales." Crop and Pasture Science 64, no. 12 (2013): 1195. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp13176.
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Groundwater is essential to crop production in many parts of the world, and the provision of clean groundwater is dependent on healthy groundwater ecosystems. To understand better the functioning of groundwater ecosystems, it is necessary to understand how the biota responds to environmental factors, and so distinguish natural variation from human induced changes. This study compares the groundwater biota of the adjacent Gwydir and Namoi River alluvial aquifers, both in the heartland of Australia’s cotton industry, and investigates the relative importance of environmental, anthropogenic, geological, and evolutionary processes on biotic distribution. Distinct differences in biotic assemblages were recorded between catchments at a community level. However, at a functional level (e.g. microbial activity, stygofauna abundances and richness) both ecosystems were similar. The distribution of biota in both catchments was influenced by similar environmental variables (e.g. geology, carbon availability, season, and land use). Broad trends in biotic distribution were evident: stygofauna responded most strongly to geological variables (reflecting habitat) and microbes to water quality and flow. Agricultural activities influenced biota in both catchments. Although possessing different taxa, the groundwater ecosystems of the two aquifers were functionally similar and responded to similar environmental conditions.
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Huang, Feng, Danrong Zhang, and Xi Chen. "Vegetation Response to Groundwater Variation in Arid Environments: Visualization of Research Evolution, Synthesis of Response Types, and Estimation of Groundwater Threshold." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 10 (May 24, 2019): 1849. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101849.
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Groundwater depth is an important environmental factor affecting vegetation growth and landscape dynamics in arid environments. This study applied a science mapping approach to visualize the development of groundwater-vegetation-related research, synthesized the vegetation response to changes in groundwater depth, and analyzed the change rate of the response curve to identify the groundwater threshold that is essential to conserve the groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems. These ecosystems emerged as a research hotspot due to climate change, groundwater overexploitation, and the recognition of these ecosystems’ importance for sustainable development. There are two main types of response functions of vegetation to changes in groundwater depth—monotone and bell-shaped functions—among which the monotone function includes linear, curvilinear, and stepwise response. The shape of a response curve is mainly determined by the combined effects of oxygen stress, salinization, and water stress; oxygen stress and salinization dominate in shallow groundwater depth, while water stress dominates in deep groundwater depth. On a non-linear vegetation metric—groundwater depth response curve, the change rate analysis method is effective to identify the breakpoint that can be taken as a candidate threshold of groundwater depth. The results will add insight into the intellectual structure of the groundwater-vegetation interactions and provide practical reference for groundwater resource management, ecological conservation, and sustainable development in arid environments.
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Kløve, Bjørn, Matteo Balderacchi, Alexandra Gemitzi, Sarah Hendry, Jens Kværner, Timo Muotka, and Elena Preda. "Protection of groundwater dependent ecosystems: current policies and future management options." Water Policy 16, no. 6 (May 19, 2014): 1070–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wp.2014.014.
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Groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) include many terrestrial and aquatic systems with high biodiversity and important ecosystem services. The need for protection of these systems has recently received increasing recognition in many regions, including the European Union (EU), as pressures on groundwater are increasing due to increased consumption in agriculture and intensive land use. A key issue is to provide legislative frameworks that safeguard the ecosystem services these systems provide. This paper reviews European legislation and present methods for theoretical frameworks, and hydrological and ecological observations of GDEs. Insights into the current state of research are provided and gaps in scientific knowledge identified. Different restoration and protection measures, such as buffer zones, are presented and evaluated. Recommendations are given for the future protection of GDEs. Future research should focus on nationally important GDE sites to establish conceptual models describing the individual and interactive impacts of multiple stressors on the hydrological and ecological functioning of GDEs. Proactive management is required to protect GDEs from contamination, for example by using extended buffer zones and careful land use planning in the groundwater capture zone.
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Dychko, Alina, and Igor Yeremeev. "Environmental monitoring of groundwater in urban ecosystems." USEFUL online journal 1, no. 2 (December 28, 2017): 01–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.32557/useful-1-2-2017-0001.
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Monitoring system, that ensures a steady control of water urboecosystem in area of man-caused factors influence, which allows evaluating measures to reduce the impact of hazardous sources on environment, which predicts possible consequences of intensive exploitation of ecosystem objects, is practically absent. Methods for determining structure of measuring network, arising from theory of fractals, are presented. The developed methodology for improving reliability of data for environmental monitoring is based on determining structure of measuring network, area limits and density of pollution on basis of measuring network data and appropriate interpolation and smoothing algorithms, and also determining dynamics of pollution area. Measurement network for monitoring of groundwater in urboecosystem should be formed as a matrix structure. The developed system of environmental monitoring allows carrying out constant monitoring of the environment, evaluating measures to reduce the technogenic impact and predicting its consequences.
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Sorensen, James P. R., Louise Maurice, François K. Edwards, Daniel J. Lapworth, Daniel S. Read, Debbie Allen, Andrew S. Butcher, Lindsay K. Newbold, Barry R. Townsend, and Peter J. Williams. "Using Boreholes as Windows into Groundwater Ecosystems." PLoS ONE 8, no. 7 (July 31, 2013): e70264. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070264.
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Jeevarathinam, C., S. Rajasekar, and Miguel A. F. Sanjuán. "Vibrational resonance in groundwater-dependent plant ecosystems." Ecological Complexity 15 (September 2013): 33–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecocom.2013.02.003.
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Johansen, Ole Munch, Morten Lauge Pedersen, and Jacob Birk Jensen. "Effect of groundwater abstraction on fen ecosystems." Journal of Hydrology 402, no. 3-4 (May 2011): 357–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.03.031.
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Lazar, Cassandre Sara, Wenke Stoll, Robert Lehmann, Martina Herrmann, Valérie F. Schwab, Denise M. Akob, Ali Nawaz, et al. "Archaeal Diversity and CO2Fixers in Carbonate-/Siliciclastic-Rock Groundwater Ecosystems." Archaea 2017 (2017): 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/2136287.
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Groundwater environments provide habitats for diverse microbial communities, and although Archaea usually represent a minor fraction of communities, they are involved in key biogeochemical cycles. We analysed the archaeal diversity within a mixed carbonate-rock/siliciclastic-rock aquifer system, vertically from surface soils to subsurface groundwater including aquifer and aquitard rocks. Archaeal diversity was also characterized along a monitoring well transect that spanned surface land uses from forest/woodland to grassland and cropland. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes showed that only a few surface soil-inhabiting Archaea were present in the groundwater suggesting a restricted input from the surface. Dominant groups in the groundwater belonged to the marine group I (MG-I) Thaumarchaeota and the Woesearchaeota. Most of the groups detected in the aquitard and aquifer rock samples belonged to either cultured or predicted lithoautotrophs (e.g., Thaumarchaeota or Hadesarchaea). Furthermore, to target autotrophs, a series of13CO2stable isotope-probing experiments were conducted using filter pieces obtained after filtration of 10,000 L of groundwater to concentrate cells. These incubations identified the SAGMCG Thaumarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota as groundwater autotrophs. Overall, the results suggest that the majority of Archaea on rocks are fixing CO2, while archaeal autotrophy seems to be limited in the groundwater.
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Li, Si-Liang, Xin Liu, Fu-Jun Yue, Zhifeng Yan, Tiejun Wang, Songjing Li, and Cong-Qiang Liu. "Nitrogen dynamics in the Critical Zones of China." Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment 46, no. 6 (November 27, 2022): 869–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03091333221114732.
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Nitrogen dynamics at ecosystem levels profoundly impact the Earth’s surface system due to their environmental and ecological significance. Exploring the sources and transformation of nitrogen in various Critical Zones is vital to understanding biogeochemical cycles and sustainable development. This study summarized nitrogen characteristics in soil profiles and nitrogen dynamics in diverse terrestrial ecosystems based on data from typical Critical Zones of China. The results indicated that nitrogen accumulates in the deep soils of cropland ecosystems due to intensive fertilizer applications, which potentially harms soil functions and water quality. Therefore, it is necessary and meaningful to take adequate measures to alleviate nitrogen accumulation in deep soils. Additionally, surplus nitrogen transported into groundwater and riverine systems from soil has emerged as an important issue for environmental management. There are serious nitrogen pollution issues in many river water and groundwater areas, which could be addressed by reducing the fast leaching and considerable nitrogen accumulation in the vadose zone. Systematic and long-term observational studies are needed to achieve the ultimate goal of ecological conservation and high-quality development. Therefore, future research should consider monitoring and evaluating ecosystems based on the long-term Critical Zone Observatories networks to advance appropriate environmental management strategies that adapt to nature’s rules and strengthen the ecosystem service function for sustainable development.
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Adams, Matthew, Peter L. Smith, and Xihua Yang. "Assessing the effects of groundwater extraction on coastal groundwater-dependent ecosystems using satellite imagery." Marine and Freshwater Research 66, no. 3 (2015): 226. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf14010.
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Terrestrial vegetation that depends on the subsurface presence of water can be severely affected by groundwater extraction. We analysed Landsat imagery to assess the ecological risk posed by groundwater pumping to native vegetation on the Tomago Sandbeds, a coastal sand mass in northern New South Wales. The effect of extraction on each major vegetation community was assessed by comparing rates of evapotranspiration between extraction zones and matched areas outside the influence of extraction. We found a significant long-term change in evapotranspiration close to groundwater extraction points within most forest, woodland and scrub communities, including those not currently regarded as being wholly dependent on groundwater. We therefore suggest that management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems should not be based on degree of dependence but instead on their sensitivity to groundwater management regimes. Our approach can provide policy makers with information needed to evaluate and adjust groundwater management within groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
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Mohrlok, U. "Prediction of changes in groundwater dynamics caused by relocation of river embankments." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 7, no. 1 (February 28, 2003): 67–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-7-67-2003.
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Abstract. Ecosystems in river valleys are affected mainly by the hydraulic conditions in wetlands including groundwater dynamics. The quantitative prediction of changes in groundwater dynamics caused by river embankment relocation requires numerical modelling using a physically-based approach. Groundwater recharge from the intermittently flooded river plains was determined by a leakage approach considering soil hydraulic properties. For the study area in the Elbe river valley north of Magdeburg, Germany, a calibrated groundwater flow model was established and the groundwater dynamics for the present situation as well as for the case of embankment relocation were simulated over a 14-year time period. Changes in groundwater depth derived from simulated groundwater levels occurred only during flood periods. By analysing the spatial distributions of changes in statistical parameters, those areas with significant impact on the ecosystems by embankment relocation can be determined. Keywords: groundwater dynamics,groundwater recharge, flood plains, soil hydraulic properties, numerical modelling, river embankment relocation
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Hare, Danielle K., David F. Boutt, William P. Clement, Christine E. Hatch, Glorianna Davenport, and Alex Hackman. "Hydrogeological controls on spatial patterns of groundwater discharge in peatlands." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 21, no. 12 (November 30, 2017): 6031–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6031-2017.
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Abstract. Peatland environments provide important ecosystem services including water and carbon storage, nutrient processing and retention, and wildlife habitat. However, these systems and the services they provide have been degraded through historical anthropogenic agricultural conversion and dewatering practices. Effective wetland restoration requires incorporating site hydrology and understanding groundwater discharge spatial patterns. Groundwater discharge maintains wetland ecosystems by providing relatively stable hydrologic conditions, nutrient inputs, and thermal buffering important for ecological structure and function; however, a comprehensive site-specific evaluation is rarely feasible for such resource-constrained projects. An improved process-based understanding of groundwater discharge in peatlands may help guide ecological restoration design without the need for invasive methodologies and detailed site-specific investigation. Here we examine a kettle-hole peatland in southeast Massachusetts historically modified for commercial cranberry farming. During the time of our investigation, a large process-based ecological restoration project was in the assessment and design phases. To gain insight into the drivers of site hydrology, we evaluated the spatial patterning of groundwater discharge and the subsurface structure of the peatland complex using heat-tracing methods and ground-penetrating radar. Our results illustrate that two groundwater discharge processes contribute to the peatland hydrologic system: diffuse lower-flux marginal matrix seepage and discrete higher-flux preferential-flow-path seepage. Both types of groundwater discharge develop through interactions with subsurface peatland basin structure, often where the basin slope is at a high angle to the regional groundwater gradient. These field observations indicate strong correlation between subsurface structures and surficial groundwater discharge. Understanding these general patterns may allow resource managers to more efficiently predict and locate groundwater seepage, confirm these using remote sensing technologies, and incorporate this information into restoration design for these critical ecosystems.
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Rohde, Melissa M., Ray Froend, and Jeanette Howard. "A Global Synthesis of Managing Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Under Sustainable Groundwater Policy." Groundwater 55, no. 3 (April 17, 2017): 293–301. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12511.
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Aldous, Allison R., and Leslie B. Bach. "Hydro-ecology of groundwater-dependent ecosystems: applying basic science to groundwater management." Hydrological Sciences Journal 59, no. 3-4 (April 3, 2014): 530–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2014.889296.
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Hájek, Michal, Borja Jiménez-Alfaro, Ondřej Hájek, Lisa Brancaleoni, Marco Cantonati, Michele Carbognani, Anita Dedić, et al. "A European map of groundwater pH and calcium." Earth System Science Data 13, no. 3 (March 17, 2021): 1089–105. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1089-2021.
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Abstract. Water resources and associated ecosystems are becoming highly endangered due to ongoing global environmental changes. Spatial ecological modelling is a promising toolbox for understanding the past, present and future distribution and diversity patterns in groundwater-dependent ecosystems, such as fens, springs, streams, reed beds or wet grasslands. Still, the lack of detailed water chemistry maps prevents the use of reasonable models to be applied on continental and global scales. Being major determinants of biological composition and diversity of groundwater-dependent ecosystems, groundwater pH and calcium are of utmost importance. Here we developed an up-to-date European map of groundwater pH and Ca, based on 7577 measurements of near-surface groundwater pH and calcium distributed across Europe. In comparison to the existing European groundwater maps, we included several times more sites, especially in the regions rich in spring and fen habitats, and filled the apparent gaps in eastern and southeastern Europe. We used random forest models and regression kriging to create continuous maps of water pH and calcium at the continental scale, which is freely available also as a raster map (Hájek et al., 2020b; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4139912). Lithology had a higher importance than climate for both pH and calcium. The previously recognised latitudinal and altitudinal gradients were rediscovered with much refined regional patterns, as associated with bedrock variation. For ecological models of distribution and diversity of many terrestrial ecosystems, our new map based on field groundwater measurements is more suitable than maps of soil pH, which mirror not only bedrock chemistry but also vegetation-dependent soil processes.
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Rohde, Melissa M., John C. Stella, Dar A. Roberts, and Michael Bliss Singer. "Groundwater dependence of riparian woodlands and the disrupting effect of anthropogenically altered streamflow." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 118, no. 25 (June 14, 2021): e2026453118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2026453118.
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Riparian ecosystems fundamentally depend on groundwater, especially in dryland regions, yet their water requirements and sources are rarely considered in water resource management decisions. Until recently, technological limitations and data gaps have hindered assessment of groundwater influences on riparian ecosystem health at the spatial and temporal scales relevant to policy and management. Here, we analyze Sentinel-2–derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; n = 5,335,472 observations), field-based groundwater elevation (n = 32,051 observations), and streamflow alteration data for riparian woodland communities (n = 22,153 polygons) over a 5-y period (2015 to 2020) across California. We find that riparian woodlands exhibit a stress response to deeper groundwater, as evidenced by concurrent declines in greenness represented by NDVI. Furthermore, we find greater seasonal coupling of canopy greenness to groundwater for vegetation along streams with natural flow regimes in comparison with anthropogenically altered streams, particularly in the most water-limited regions. These patterns suggest that many riparian woodlands in California are subsidized by water management practices. Riparian woodland communities rely on naturally variable groundwater and streamflow components to sustain key ecological processes, such as recruitment and succession. Altered flow regimes, which stabilize streamflow throughout the year and artificially enhance water supplies to riparian vegetation in the dry season, disrupt the seasonal cycles of abiotic drivers to which these Mediterranean forests are adapted. Consequently, our analysis suggests that many riparian ecosystems have become reliant on anthropogenically altered flow regimes, making them more vulnerable and less resilient to rapid hydrologic change, potentially leading to future riparian forest loss across increasingly stressed dryland regions.
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Boulton, A. J., and P. J. Hancock. "Rivers as groundwater-dependent ecosystems: a review of degrees of dependency, riverine processes and management implications." Australian Journal of Botany 54, no. 2 (2006): 133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt05074.
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Many rivers are classified as groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs), owing to the contribution of groundwater to their base flow. However, there has been little explicit recognition of the way groundwater influences riverine biota or processes, how degrees of ecological dependency may vary, and the management implications of this dependency. The permeable beds and banks of these GDEs where surface water and groundwater exchange are termed ‘hyporheic zones’. They are often inhabited by invertebrates, with varying reliance on groundwater, although the ecological roles of these invertebrates are little known. Upwelling hyporheic water can promote surface primary productivity, influence sediment microbial activity, and affect organic matter decomposition. In many intermittent streams, variable groundwater inputs alter the duration of flow or water permanence, and the duration and timing of these largely govern the biota and rates of many ecosystem processes (e.g. leaf decomposition). Not only is the physical presence of water important, thermal and chemical conditions arising from groundwater inputs also have direct and indirect effects on riverine biota and rates or types of in-stream processes. Differing degrees of dependency of rivers on groundwater mediate all these influences, and may change over time and in response to human activities. Alteration of groundwater inputs through extraction from riparian wells or changes in local water table have an impact on these GDEs, and some current management plans aim to restrict groundwater extraction from near permeable river channels. However, these are often ‘blanket’ restrictions and the mechanisms of GDE dependency or timing of groundwater requirements are poorly understood, hampering refinement of this management approach. More effective management of these GDEs into the future can result only from a better understanding of the mechanisms of the dependency, how these vary among river types and what in-stream changes might be predicted from alteration of groundwater inputs.
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P S, Dr Anju, and Dr Jaya D S. "Impacts of Clay Mining Activities on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Critical Review." International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology 11, no. 4 (April 30, 2022): 128–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.35940/ijeat.d3495.0411422.
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The unconsolidated earth surface is a rich source of minerals, of which clay is one of the richest natural minerals, having various natural and anthropogenic properties. Natural clay is widely available as a cheaper resource, which is non toxic to ecosystems and has the property of preserving ground water and aquifers. At the same time, the ubiquitous and widespread occurrence of clay will have the property to control toxic materials. The uncontrolled exploitation or mining of clay minerals will affect the aquatic ecosystem's sustainability in many ways. Water quality is very essential for the healthy environment and human life, whereas unpredictable conditions like flooding, drought, groundwater loss, loss of biodiversity, and health impacts on the surrounding inhabitants are some of the signs of ecosystem loss. The unwanted mined clay is deposited into the surrounding area of the mining environment, resulting in top soil, ground water, and surface water pollution. The review paper describes the pollution aspects of the aquatic ecosystem with special emphasis on ground water, aquifers, fresh water (lotic and lentic), sediment, and marine ecology and hydrology.
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Wossenyeleh, Buruk Kitachew, Kaleb Asnake Worku, Boud Verbeiren, and Marijke Huysmans. "Drought propagation and its impact on groundwater hydrology of wetlands: a case study on the Doode Bemde nature reserve (Belgium)." Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences 21, no. 1 (January 8, 2021): 39–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-39-2021.
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Abstract. Drought can be described as a temporary decrease in water availability over a significant period that affects both surface and groundwater resources. Droughts propagate through the hydrological cycle and may impact vulnerable ecosystems. This paper investigates drought propagation in the hydrological cycle, focusing on assessing its impact on a groundwater-fed wetland ecosystem. Meteorological drought indices were used to analyze meteorological drought severity. Moreover, a method for assessing groundwater drought and its propagation in the aquifer was developed and applied. Groundwater drought was analyzed using the variable threshold method. Furthermore, meteorological drought and groundwater drought on recharge were compared to investigate drought propagation in the hydrological cycle. This research is carried out in the Doode Bemde wetland in central Belgium. The results of this research show that droughts are attenuated in the groundwater system. The number and severity of drought events on groundwater discharge were smaller than for groundwater recharge. However, the onset of both drought events occurred at the same time, indicating a quick response of the groundwater system to hydrological stresses. In addition, drought propagation in the hydrological cycle indicated that not all meteorological droughts result in groundwater drought. Furthermore, this drought propagation effect was observed in the wetland.
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Wossenyeleh, Buruk Kitachew, Kaleb Asnake Worku, Boud Verbeiren, and Marijke Huysmans. "Drought propagation and its impact on groundwater hydrology of wetlands: a case study on the Doode Bemde nature reserve (Belgium)." Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences 21, no. 1 (January 8, 2021): 39–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-39-2021.
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Abstract. Drought can be described as a temporary decrease in water availability over a significant period that affects both surface and groundwater resources. Droughts propagate through the hydrological cycle and may impact vulnerable ecosystems. This paper investigates drought propagation in the hydrological cycle, focusing on assessing its impact on a groundwater-fed wetland ecosystem. Meteorological drought indices were used to analyze meteorological drought severity. Moreover, a method for assessing groundwater drought and its propagation in the aquifer was developed and applied. Groundwater drought was analyzed using the variable threshold method. Furthermore, meteorological drought and groundwater drought on recharge were compared to investigate drought propagation in the hydrological cycle. This research is carried out in the Doode Bemde wetland in central Belgium. The results of this research show that droughts are attenuated in the groundwater system. The number and severity of drought events on groundwater discharge were smaller than for groundwater recharge. However, the onset of both drought events occurred at the same time, indicating a quick response of the groundwater system to hydrological stresses. In addition, drought propagation in the hydrological cycle indicated that not all meteorological droughts result in groundwater drought. Furthermore, this drought propagation effect was observed in the wetland.
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Caruso, Phil, Carlos Ochoa, W. Jarvis, and Tim Deboodt. "A Hydrogeologic Framework for Understanding Local Groundwater Flow Dynamics in the Southeast Deschutes Basin, Oregon, USA." Geosciences 9, no. 2 (January 24, 2019): 57. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9020057.
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Understanding local hydrogeology is important for the management of groundwater resources and the ecosystems that depend on them. The main objective of this study conducted in central Oregon, USA was to characterize the hydrogeologic framework of a part of the semiarid Upper Deschutes Basin. Information on local geology and hydrology was synthesized to construct a hydrogeologic framework and a conceptual model of groundwater movement in shallow and previously unmapped deeper aquifers. Study results show that local geology drives many of the surface water and groundwater connections that sustain groundwater-related ecosystems and ranching-related activities in the geographical area of interest. Also, the findings of this study suggest that ecohydrological investigations can be used to mitigate concerns regarding groundwater development. Likewise, newly-developed conceptual models of the hydrogeology of previously unstudied areas within a groundwater basin undergoing regulation offer opportunities to not only address concerns regarding integrated surface water–groundwater interactions but also provide supplemental sources of water for nearby areas undergoing groundwater depletion through proposed bulk water transfers.
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Silbiger, Nyssa J., Megan J. Donahue, and Katie Lubarsky. "Submarine groundwater discharge alters coral reef ecosystem metabolism." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 287, no. 1941 (December 16, 2020): 20202743. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.2743.
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Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) influences near-shore coral reef ecosystems worldwide. SGD biogeochemistry is distinct, typically with higher nutrients, lower pH, cooler temperature and lower salinity than receiving waters. SGD can also be a conduit for anthropogenic nutrients and other pollutants. Using Bayesian structural equation modelling, we investigate pathways and feedbacks by which SGD influences coral reef ecosystem metabolism at two Hawai'i sites with distinct aquifer chemistry. The thermal and biogeochemical environment created by SGD changed net ecosystem production (NEP) and net ecosystem calcification (NEC). NEP showed a nonlinear relationship with SGD-enhanced nutrients: high fluxes of moderately enriched SGD (Wailupe low tide) and low fluxes of highly enriched SGD (Kūpikipiki'ō high tide) increased NEP, but high fluxes of highly enriched SGD (Kūpikipiki'ō low tide) decreased NEP, indicating a shift toward microbial respiration. pH fluctuated with NEP, driving changes in the net growth of calcifiers (NEC). SGD enhances biological feedbacks: changes in SGD from land use and climate change will have consequences for calcification of coral reef communities, and thereby shoreline protection.
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Kuijper, Marijn, and Perry de Louw. "Brackish water ecosystem restoration based on integrated water system design." Annals of Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW. Land Reclamation 38, no. 1 (January 1, 2007): 115–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10060-008-0028-z.
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Brackish water ecosystem restoration based on integrated water system design Despite their current location within a primary agricultural area, most of the creek remnants in the Dutch clay polder areas have a high potential for recovery into healthy ecosystems. Like most areas in the Netherlands the clay polders are densely populated. Therefore multifunctional land use is encouraged and different types of land use coexist within small distances from each other. As a result water conflicts occur: agricultural land use requires deep groundwater levels and causes eutrophication by spreading nutrients into the water system, while existing ecosystems within and around the creek remnants need wetland conditions and low nutrient levels. Furthermore periods of high discharge cause flooding of arable land. Extreme measures like filling in ditches and increasing water levels are needed to achieve the water targets for wetlands around the creeks. On the other hand, the effects of these measures easily cause water logging in nearby agricultural areas. We introduce an integrated approach for the restoration of creek ecosystems. Both the complex interaction of groundwater, surface water and ecology and the limiting conditions imposed by adjacent agricultural land use, spatial developments and regulatory settings like the European Water Framework Directive are thereby taken into account. A highly integrated set of measures is proposed creating optimal conditions for both high agricultural production and flourishing creek ecosystems.
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Ács, Tamás, and Zoltán Simonffy. "A new deterministic method for groundwater mapping using a digital elevation model." Water Supply 13, no. 4 (August 1, 2013): 1146–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/ws.2013.106.
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Accurate knowledge of groundwater levels and flow conditions in the vicinity of groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTE-s) is required for identifying groundwater dependency and comparing the present situation with the optimal one, as part of the status assessment of groundwaters according to the EU Water Framework Directive. Geostatistical methods (like kriging or cokriging) may result in an unrealistic groundwater level map if only a few measured data are available. In this paper a new, grid-based, deterministic method (GSGW-model) is introduced. The aim of the model is to calculate groundwater depth within the required accuracy from sparse data of monitoring wells. The basic principle of the GSGW-model is that the groundwater table is a smoothed replica of the ground surface. Hence, changes in the groundwater level between two grid points are calculated as a function of the digital elevation model (DEM) and soil properties. The GSGW-model was tested in the Nyírség region (Hungary). Results were compared with those gained by ordinary kriging and cokriging. It has been concluded that kriging overestimates the groundwater level in the low part of the test area, where wetlands are located, while the maps produced by the GSGW-model are a better fit of the real variability, providing more reliable estimates of groundwater depth in GWDTE-s as well.
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Huang, Feng, Yude Zhang, Danrong Zhang, and Xi Chen. "Environmental Groundwater Depth for Groundwater-Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems in Arid/Semiarid Regions: A Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 5 (March 3, 2019): 763. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050763.
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Groundwater in arid/semiarid regions plays crucial roles in providing drinking water supply, supporting irrigated agriculture, and sustaining important native terrestrial ecosystems. Groundwater depth controls water availability to vegetation and is essential for conserving groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems. Environmental groundwater depth can be defined as a mean depth or a range of depths, satisfying the growth of natural vegetation that is not under stress, either due to lack of water or anoxia or soil salinization. Five methodologies have been reported to estimate environmental groundwater depth: the direct ones rely on response functions that relate vegetation condition, e.g., physiological parameters, appearance frequency, community structure, and remotely sensed physical indexes, to changes in groundwater depth; the indirect one estimates environmental groundwater depth based on the threshold of soil moisture content. To fill a knowledge gap of unique recognized methodology, a conceptual framework was proposed, which involves initial estimation (data collection, response assessment, and estimation) and feedback adjustment (implementation and modification). A key component of the framework is to quantify the linkage between ecological conditions and geohydrological features. This review may provide references for groundwater resources management, ecological conservation, and sustainable development in arid/semiarid regions.
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Gou, Si, Susana Gonzales, and Gretchen R. Miller. "Mapping Potential Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems for Sustainable Management." Groundwater 53, no. 1 (February 25, 2014): 99–110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12169.
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