Groundwater and climate change research scoping study

This scoping study has reviewed much of the published literature in the field of climate change and groundwater research. Whilst it is not exhaustive with regard to groundwater quality issues, most of the published literature relating to climate change and groundwater resources, particularly in the UK, is covered. Further work is required to identify current research needs relating to the effects of climate change on groundwater quality. The study of the effects of climate change on water resources is a relatively immature area of scientific research. Consequently, there are relatively few studies relating to possible future effects of climate change on groundwater. A large number of the studies that have been undertaken use perturbed historic climate data to examine the possible effects of climate change. This is not a good approach and more recent work applies data from global climate models in impact assessment. The different approaches of generating climate change scenarios and assessing their impacts is shown in Figure 1. In addition to presenting a review of the published groundwater and climate change research this document provides an overview of (i) the scientific basis for climate change, both globally and within the UK, (ii) the UK Climate Impacts Programme, (iii) UK stakeholders in climate change research and (iv) groundwater-related socio-economic impacts of climate change. Finally recommendations are made for future BGS groundwater and climate change research.