ASTERIS (DTA.AD002.393)

Thematic area

Earth system science and environmental technologies

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of geosciences and earth resources (IGG)

Project manager

BARBARA NISI
Phone number: 0506212320
Email: b.nisi@igg.cnr.it

Abstract

The Adriatic region is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Although attention has been paid to the understanding of climate change impact and risks over the last decades, the Adriatic community still faces a lack of common risk assessment. Particularly, water supply issues are an essential aspect in the development and sustainability of societal ecosystems. Coastal aquifers are characterised by a natural gradient towards the seaboard, where groundwater discharges into the sea. A saline wedge normally exists below lighter freshwater. The interface between freshwater and heavier seawater is in a state of dynamic equilibrium and the interface is a transition zone of mixed salinity. The flow of seawater toward freshwater aquifers on land, however, is also a common result of groundwater pumping and withdrawal for agricultural, industrial and other public purposes. With excessive pumping the natural hydraulic gradient towards the sea may be reversed and the intrusion can then extend to the pumping boreholes, which become saline.

Goals

The overall objective of the project is to improve the understanding of spatial and
temporal (based on future downscaled climate scenarios) variation in seawater
intrusion, to identify and mapping needs and barriers in risk management and to
provide an adaptation plan, containing practical tools for a sustainable management

Start date of activity

01/01/2019

Keywords

climate change monitoring, quality and availabily of drinkable water, hydrogeology of aquifers

Last update: 15/05/2025