Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Magdalena Diak, Michael Ernst Boettcher, Catia Milene Ehlert von Ahn, Wei-Li Hong, Monika Kedra, Lech Kotwicki, Katarzyna Koziorowska-Makuch, Karol Kulinski, Aivo Lepland, Przemyslaw Makuch, Arunima Sen, Aleksandra Winogradow, Marc Juergen Silberberger, Beata Szymczycha
Summary: This study reviews the interactions between permafrost and groundwater, with a focus on recharge and discharge in the Arctic and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It found that the geochemical composition of groundwater is site-specific and varies within aquifers, reflecting water-rock interactions. The study also observed that permafrost thaw increases groundwater discharge on land, and climate warming is likely to accelerate permafrost degradation and enhance hydrological connectivity. With regards to submarine groundwater discharge, the impact of permafrost thaw can either reinforce or reduce it, depending on the changes in aquifer pressure. The study highlights the need for long-term interdisciplinary in situ measurements for accurate predictions of groundwater flow and permafrost dynamics in a warmer climate.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin H. Strauss, Scott A. Kulp, D. J. Rasmussen, Anders Levermann
Summary: Human-caused carbon dioxide emissions will have long-lasting impacts on global temperatures and sea levels. Many major cities, particularly in Asia, will face unprecedented exposure levels from sea level rise. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have large populations residing in areas vulnerable to high tide lines, while small island nations are at risk of near-total loss. Meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement could significantly reduce the exposure and protect coastal megacities from extensive defense requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Trista McKenzie, Shellie Habel, Henrietta Dulai
Summary: This study used geochemical tracers and emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) to monitor groundwater discharge and its wastewater content. The research found that groundwater discharge and EOCs fluctuated with tides in coastal and canal groundwater, surface water samples, and storm drains, indicating tidally driven GWI and wastewater discharge. This study provides field-based evidence for GWI of coastal WIS and shows that SLR is increasing risks to environmental and human health.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuxuan Hou, Jie Yang, Christopher J. Russoniello, Tianyuan Zheng, Mei-lin Wu, Xuan Yu
Summary: Shrimp aquaculture can lead to groundwater salinization and increased submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), but research on this topic is limited. In this study, a numerical simulation approach was used to assess the impacts of shrimp farm irrigation on groundwater salinization and SGD. The results showed that pond water depth had a primary control on the mass of saltwater infiltration, while farm width had a primary control on recovery rate. Both pond water salinity and depth affected fresh and saline SGD. This study highlights the previously unrecognized mechanism of aquaculture on coastal aquifer vulnerability and SGD, emphasizing the need for further research on the impact of aquaculture on coastal groundwater resources.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Shuxin Luo, Ting Fong May Chui
Summary: This study used a coupled hydro-vegetation model to simulate the spatial and temporal distribution of native and exotic mangroves in a mangrove forest in southern China. The study found that native mangroves grow best under moderate sea-level rise, but excessive rise can lead to a drastic decline in exotic mangrove populations.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadhasivam Sathish, Samurembi Chanu, Razi Sadath, Lakshmanan Elango
Summary: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of climate change induced rainfall, sea level rise, and urbanization on a fragile coastal aquifer. The study found that sea level rise can help prevent a decline in the groundwater level, but it also reduces the availability of freshwater and increases the possibility of seawater intrusion. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce groundwater pumping from this aquifer.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Janek Greskowiak, Stephan L. Seibert, Vincent E. A. Post, Gudrun Massmann
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of storm floods, seasonal changes of temperatures and groundwater recharge rates, as well as beach morphodynamics on the redox zoning in subterranean estuaries. The research found that under the given conditions, redox dynamics can occur down to a depth of 20 m. Beach morphodynamics appear to be the most important factor for the transience of redox zones compared to the other factors.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yi Liu, Yurong Song, Jiu Jimmy Jiao
Summary: Coastal ocean acidification is a global problem due to climate change, and the study reveals a close relationship between submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and coastal ocean acidification in Hong Kong's coastal waters. The direct influence of SGD on seawater pH decline is evaluated for the first time, and the results show that SGD contributes significantly to seawater pH variation through direct input of carbonate species. In addition, SGD also affects seawater pH through nutrient loadings. Understanding and managing groundwater is crucial in mitigating coastal ocean acidification.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julia A. Guimond, Aaron A. Mohammed, Michelle A. Walvoord, Victor F. Bense, Barret L. Kurylyk
Summary: This study investigates the impacts of sea-level change and land and ocean warming on coastal groundwater discharge using a hydrological model. The results show that the discharge can increase or decrease depending on the rate of warming and sea-level change.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. Hill, D. Hirschfeld, C. Lindquist, F. Cook, S. Warner
Summary: Sea-level rise will lead to coastal groundwater rise, which in turn will impact the fate and transport of contaminants in contaminated sites. Vulnerability assessment shows that 326 sites in the US Superfund program and over 5,000 state-managed sites in the San Francisco Bay area could be threatened by rising groundwater. Socially vulnerable communities are disproportionately exposed to this risk, highlighting the urgent need for sub-regional research on the potential impacts.
Article
Ecology
Emily A. Ury, Xi Yang, Justin P. Wright, Emily S. Bernhardt
Summary: Climate change is causing ecological shifts in coastal regions, with significant impacts on ecosystems and the carbon cycle. A study in North Carolina's largest coastal wildlife refuge showed that nearly one third of the area experienced land cover changes, including loss of coastal forests and expansion of shrublands. These changes highlight the vulnerability of coastal areas to climate change and the potential implications for wetland function, wildlife habitat, and global carbon cycling.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michalis Vousdoukas, Joanne Clarke, Roshanka Ranasinghe, Lena Reimann, Nadia Khalaf, Trang Minh Duong, Birgitt Ouweneel, Salma Sabour, Carley E. Iles, Christopher H. Trisos, Luc Feyen, Lorenzo Mentaschi, Nicholas P. Simpson
Summary: Many African heritage sites are currently at risk from rising sea levels, which could more than triple under high emissions scenarios. Mitigating emissions can reduce the number of highly exposed sites. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased climate change adaptation for heritage sites in Africa, including governance, vulnerability assessments, monitoring, and protection strategies.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tybaud Goyetche, Linda Luquot, Jesus Carrera, Laura Martinez-Perez, Albert Folch
Summary: In coastal aquifers, seawater intrusion and submarine groundwater discharge are two opposing processes that require characterization and quantification to assess the quality and composition of the water. This study proposes a methodology using principal component analysis to identify water sources and reactions, and quantify mixing ratios and the extent of chemical reactions. The research highlights the importance of cation exchange and its impact on other reactions, as well as the spatial distribution of reactions in the aquifer.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
S. Sadai, R. A. Spector, R. DeConto, N. Gomez
Summary: Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are causing unprecedented changes to the climate, leading to irreversible impacts on island and coastal populations. This review article investigates the climate justice implications of temperature targets and sea level rise, highlighting the impact on island states and the role of AOSIS in UN climate negotiations. The study also discusses the dual impacts from Antarctic ice sheet melting and its implications for global temperature rise and sea level rise.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Chelsea N. Peters, Charles Kimsal, Ryan S. Frederiks, Anner Paldor, Rachel McQuiggan, Holly A. Michael
Summary: The study highlights the connection between groundwater pumping and coastal stream salinity, showing that increased pumping can lead to further saltwater intrusion along coasts, with potential impacts surpassing those of sea-level rise or geomorphic change. Groundwater pumping poses a significant risk to the ecological balance of estuarine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of considering this factor in coastal water management.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mahfuzur R. Khan, Holly A. Michael, Edward W. Bresnyan, Winston Yu
Summary: This study presents a model-based analysis of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on dry-period streamflow in the Kosi Fan region of India and Nepal. The simulations show that the current groundwater withdrawal has minimal effect on the dry-season flow of the rivers. Under a high-reduction scenario, the groundwater withdrawal only has a slight reduction in the dry-season baseflow, which is mitigated by the pumping-induced increase in rainfall recharge.
HYDROGEOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Julia A. Cantelon, Julia A. Guimond, Clare E. Robinson, Holly A. Michael, Barret L. Kurylyk
Summary: With rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of storms, low-elevation coastal areas are at an increasing risk of seawater flooding. This flooding can lead to the salinization of coastal aquifers through vertical saltwater intrusion. However, vertical saltwater intrusion is often overlooked in coastal zone assessments. This review synthesizes previous studies on vertical saltwater intrusion and highlights the need for improved understanding, coordination, and education in addressing the vulnerability of coastal groundwater.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhongyuan Xu, Jayaram Hariharan, Paola Passalacqua, Elisabeth Steel, Austin Chadwick, Chris Paola, Anner Paldor, Holly A. Michael
Summary: This study investigates the vulnerability of coastal deltaic aquifers to seawater intrusion, contamination, and groundwater abstraction, as well as the impact of surface deposition changes on the distribution and transport of groundwater solutes. By simulating groundwater flow and solute transport under different contamination scenarios, the research reveals that the vulnerability of deltaic aquifers to seawater intrusion is correlated with sand fraction, and vertical transport of contaminants is influenced by channel stacking patterns.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jayaram Hariharan, Paola Passalacqua, Zhongyuan Xu, Holly A. Michael, Elisabeth Steel, Austin Chadwick, Chris Paola, Andrew J. Moodie
Summary: Climate change raises sea levels globally, which has adverse effects on river deltas and coastal communities. This study uses a numerical model to simulate deltaic evolution under different sea-level rise trajectories, finding that surface and subsurface dynamics change with higher rates of sea-level rise. The trajectory and magnitude of sea-level rise impact delta surface evolution and subsurface connectivity. This work improves future prediction of delta evolution and subsurface changes as sea levels continue to rise.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuan Yu, Joshua J. LeMonte, Junxia Li, Jason W. Stuckey, Donald L. Sparks, John G. Cargill, Christopher J. Russoniello, Holly A. Michael
Summary: Historical industrial activities have caused soil contamination at coastlines worldwide, which are susceptible to disruptions by climate change and rising sea levels. However, the effects of hydrologic dynamics on contaminant transportation in tidal environments have not been extensively studied. This research collected data from various sensors at a contaminated site near a freshwater tidal channel and found that seasonal groundwater interactions and sub-daily water level fluctuations in the channel contribute to varying redox conditions and contaminant concentrations. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of sea-level rise on the mobility of coastal solutes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Nordio, Ryan Frederiks, Mary Hingst, Joel Carr, Matt Kirwan, Keryn Gedan, Holly Michael, Sergio Fagherazzi
Summary: Recent studies have mostly focused on the impact of large tropical cyclones on shorelines, disregarding the effects of less intense but more frequent events. This study analyzes the influence of offshore tropical storm Melissa on groundwater along the North America Atlantic coast. The findings show that Melissa led to a significant increase in groundwater level and specific conductivity, with a longer recovery time for conductivity. The study suggests that the increasing frequency of moderate storms will have a significant ecological impact on vegetated shorelines.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mary C. C. Hingst, Rachel W. W. McQuiggan, Chelsea N. N. Peters, Changming He, A. Scott Andres, Holly A. A. Michael
Summary: Coastal agricultural zones are being affected by salinization caused by sea-level rise, leading to reduced crop yields and abandonment of farmland. This study implemented a monitoring network to understand the mechanisms and drivers of seawater intrusion, highlighting the significance of monitoring and stakeholder engagement in mitigating the effects of salinization and supporting coastal resilience.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Utkarsh Gangwal, A. R. Siders, Jennifer Horney, Holly A. Michael, Shangjia Dong
Summary: This study examines the accessibility of communities to critical facilities during flooding. The findings highlight the risk of severe facility access loss due to flood isolation, especially for vulnerable groups. Additionally, critical roads for post-flooding access to these facilities are identified.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Deon Knights, Anastasia Piliouras, Jon Schwenk, Jayaram Hariharan, Christopher Russoniello
Summary: The lack of field observations in Arctic deltas limits the estimation of nitrate loading to the Arctic Ocean due to logistical constraints. To overcome this, a remote sensing framework was used to estimate nitrate retention in Arctic deltas, by coupling hydrological and biogeochemical process models at the network scale. Binary masks of delta channels were used to simulate flow direction and magnitude, and models were parameterized using historical and seasonal observations. Simulated nitrate retention ranged from 2.9% to 15% of the incoming load, with the highest retention rates during winter and the lowest during spring conditions. Under future climate scenarios, retention rates are expected to decrease by approximately 1%-10%.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Feng Pan, Kai Xiao, Yu Cai, Hailong Li, Zhanrong Guo, Xinhong Wang, Yan Zheng, Chunmiao Zheng, Benjamin Carlos Bostick, Holly A. Michael
Summary: Global warming and sea-level rise have significant effects on coastal mangrove ecosystems, particularly on the behavior of benthic crabs and their impact on sediment properties and material cycles. This study explores how crab bioturbation affects the movement of bioavailable arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and sulfide in sediment-water systems, and how these processes are influenced by temperature and sea-level rise. The results indicate that crab burrowing enhances oxidizing conditions, leading to increased mobilization and release of Sb but sequestration of As by iron/manganese oxides. The study also highlights the spatial heterogeneity of labile sulfide, As, and Sb in bioturbated sediments, and the contrasting effects of warming and sea-level rise on benthic bioturbation and redox chemistry.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhongyuan Xu, Mahfuzur R. Khan, Kazi Matin Ahmed, Anwar Zahid, Jayaram Hariharan, Paola Passalacqua, Elisabeth Steel, Austin Chadwick, Chris Paola, Steven L. L. Goodbred Jr, Anner Paldor, Holly A. Michael
Summary: Groundwater is the primary water source in the Bengal Delta, but it is under threat from contamination. By using surface information to model subsurface features, the predictions of groundwater flow can be improved. The land surface features in active deltas play a significant role in evaluating groundwater vulnerability to contamination.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Damian L. Arevalo-Martinez, Amir Haroon, Hermann W. Bange, Ercan Erkul, Marion Jegen, Nils Moosdorf, Jens Schneider von Deimling, Christian Berndt, Michael Ernst Boettcher, Jasper Hoffmann, Volker Liebetrau, Ulf Mallast, Gudrun Massmann, Aaron Micallef, Holly A. Michael, Hendrik Paasche, Wolfgang Rabbel, Isaac Santos, Jan Scholten, Katrin Schwalenberg, Beata Szymczycha, Ariel T. Thomas, Joonas J. Virtasalo, Hannelore Waska, Bradley A. Weymer
Summary: For thousands of years, humans have been attracted to coastlines for their resource potential and as geopolitical centers. The supply and demand of potable water are crucial for water security in coastal communities, but the interaction between freshwater and saltwater in coastal settings is complicated by natural and human-driven environmental changes. Understanding groundwater fluxes across the land-sea continuum is important for (bio)geochemical budgets and the potential use of offshore freshened groundwater as a resource. Assessing land-ocean connectivity through groundwater requires a multidisciplinary approach and is relevant for climate change, pollution, and sustainable development goals.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Anner Paldor, Nina Stark, Matthew Florence, Britt Raubenheimer, Steve Elgar, Rachel Housego, Ryan S. Frederiks, Holly A. A. Michael
Summary: Ocean surges pose a global threat to coastal stability, and the evolution of surge-induced pore-pressure gradients can be studied through numerical hydrologic simulations. The study found that these gradients appear on the landward side of the advancing inundation line during the run-up stage and on the seaward side of the retreating inundation line during the receding stage.
HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bradley A. Weymer, Mark E. Everett, Amir Haroon, Marion Jegen-Kulcsar, Aaron Micallef, Christian Berndt, Holly A. Michael, Rob L. Evans, Vincent Post
Summary: This article highlights the lack of research on marine geological structures, especially regarding the topography and geology below the coastline. Studying this area is significant for understanding geological processes, hazards, and coastal aquifers.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)