Groundwater animals

Groundwater animals are adapted to live in environments with no light and limited nutrients,
They can provide insights into fundamental questions of evolution, ecology and biodiversity.
They also have an important role to play in informing the reconstruction of past changes
in geomorphology and climate, and can be used for characterising aquifers. The BGS
is undertaking a systematic survey of selected areas and lithologies in the UK where
groundwater animals have not been investigated. This is important because little is known
about groundwater ecosystems in the UK despite the unique contribution to biodiversity
made by these animals. Groundwater organisms are also thought to provide ecosystem
services by means of their role in nutrient cycling and natural remediation of pollutants in the
subsurface. They may also be useful indicators of human impacts on groundwaters.