Science, society, and the coastal groundwater squeeze

Abstract

Coastal zones encompass the complex interface between land and sea. Understanding how water and solutes move within and across this interface is essential for managing resources for society. The increasingly dense human occupation of coastal zones disrupts natural groundwater flow patterns and degrades freshwater resources by both overuse and pollution. This pressure results in a “coastal groundwater squeeze,” where the thin veneers of potable freshwater are threatened by contaminant sources at the land surface and saline groundwater at depth. Scientific advances in the field of coastal hydrogeology have enabled responsible management of water resources and protection of important ecosystems. To address the problems of the future, we must continue to make scientific advances, and groundwater hydrology needs to be firmly embedded in integrated coastal zone management. This will require interdisciplinary scientific collaboration, open communication between scientists and the public, and strong partnerships with policymakers.

Delineating multiple salinization processes in a coastal plain aquifer, northern China: hydrochemical and isotopic evidence

“…If this cycle continues, it is likely to further degrade groundwater quality and restrict its usage in the future. Such a situation is typical of the coastal water resources "squeeze" highlighted by Michael et al (2017). Alternative management strategies, such as restricting water usage in particular high-use sectors, such as agriculture, industry or tourism, that are based on a comprehensive assessment of the social, economic and environmental benefits and costs of these activities, warrants urgent and careful consideration.…”

Celebrating hydrologic science: The “Science is Essential” collection

“…Michael et al . [] emphasize collaboration across hydrogeology, oceanography, biogeochemistry, engineering, economics, sociology, and policy as essential to advance the science of coastal groundwater. Scanlon et al .…”

“…For example, Michael et al . [] note that improved community knowledge of coastal groundwater concepts can increase community engagement in protecting coastal aquifers. Tetzlaff et al .…”

“…Second, the commentaries highlight that science is done to help people and consequently requires scientists to effectively communicate science advances to society. For example, Michael et al [2017] note that improved community knowledge of coastal groundwater concepts can increase community engagement in protecting coastal aquifers. Tetzlaff et al [2017] emphasize the importance of encouraging ''citizen science,'' e.g., involving the public in data collection efforts, to increase awareness of and appreciation for the importance of data and the process of discovery.…”

Rethinking the Use of Seabed Sediment Temperature Profiles to Trace Submarine Groundwater Flow

“…The number of studies investigating SGD has rapidly increased in recent years across many research disciplines (Moore, ), but there is a widely recognized need for such investigations to be better grounded in hydrogeological knowledge (Kazemi, ; Post et al, ). Also, as reviewed by Sawyer et al () and Michael et al (), most recent submarine groundwater research has focused on relatively shallow, coastal regions given their obvious societal relevance. Fewer studies have investigated the existence and/or driving processes of submarine groundwater systems in deeper marine environments, though their spatial extent and gross fluxes likely dwarf those of shallow continental margins.…”