Groundwater vulnerability assessment is a tool for identifying areas where groundwater is more susceptible to contamination. An important aspect is the circulation of groundwater, an essential component of the hydrologic cycle, a driving force for water and energy and in addition, an influence on vulnerability. The session aims to bring together scientists studying different aspects related to vulnerability and groundwater circulation. The debated concepts for assessing groundwater vulnerability will be discussed. The session will focus on the understanding of gravitational groundwater flow systems in the saturated zone and their dynamic role in the unsaturated zone, which is critical to the response of groundwater flow systems to climate change and also influences groundwater vulnerability.
This session is co-sponsored by IAH (International Association of Hydrogeologists and its Regional Groundwater Flow Commission)