Groundwater is of utmost importance in Haiti. It is the main source of drinking water for the Haitian population. The degradation of the quality of this resource is a major issue in the context of climate change where a rise in sea level from 200 to 300 mm by 2100 (IPCC, 2008) could irreversibly aggravate this phenomenon. In this context, the identification of the sensitivity of groundwater to climatic variations has become essential due to climate change and the strong link existing between climate and the water cycle and therefore water resources. The question we are asking is about a coastal aquifer at a time when climate change is prolonging drought periods in the Caribbean.
Intrusion of sea water due to SLR has percolated the fresh water aquifer in Indian Sundarbans
Deposition of microplastics through poleward flow of thermocline oceanic water layer and the North Equatorial Current.
Possibly some good background. https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/books/book/688/chapter/3808567/Summary-of-groundwater-resources-in-Haiti
Climate change, sea level rise, land uses, pollution and water uses of groundwater are examples which individually and cumulatively could combine to affect groundwater quantity and quality. Since the freshwater comes from rainfall, infiltration, recharge to various aquifers, it will be important to protect the soil and its ability to absorb and recharge aquifers. It is important to address areas of pollution, conservation of water, unnecessary water withdrawal of groundwater, identifying and monitoring of salt water intrusion zone as well as levels of the primary aquifers. If plans have not already been developed, it is time to get the resource professionals to work with the political, social, community and other stakeholders to develop assessments and plans to address these type questions. If studies have been done on other Caribbean Islands, review them or perhaps collaborate with them where appropriate. Education and conservation are likely elements. Some identification of opportunities to capture rainfall or store runoff in small dams or ponds or inject high quality waters into some aquifers might be considered. Maintaining critical instream flows are other considerations. Since water rights, laws, rules, etc. are typically authorized by the country leadership, direction needs to come from or be consistent with that authority.
Mangrooves ecosystems lost could increase salts intrusion into groudwater (as a naturally filter method) and also cause lost of coastal stability, doing sites more vulnerable to increases in sea level. Projects in mangroves conservation could reduce many different risks associated to Climate Change.
The anticipated sea-level rise and changes in recharge and evapotranspiration patterns and runoff due to anthropogenic activities will exacerbate the pressures on the coastal groundwater system.
May be useful in this regards:
Article Effects of climate change on coastal groundwater systems: A ...
Thanks
Ankur
Hi Jeff,
Following articles may be useful to you:
Article Groundwater Management in Coastal Areas through Landscape Sc...
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jcr/article-abstract/doi/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-19-00155.1/436369
Article Groundwater dependent ecosystems in coastal Mediterranean re...
Cheers
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Geoscience
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Climate Science
- Climate Change