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.