The session aims to bring together scientists studying different aspects related to groundwater circulation and management.
Understanding of gravitational groundwater flow requires knowledge of the prevailing flow system from the local to a regional scale. Moreover, problems connected to groundwater management underline the importance of sustainable development of groundwater. The understanding of deep groundwater flow is challenging, as the characterization of large flow systems is difficult due to limited data, especially in the intermediate zone between shallow aquifers and deep anthropogenic activities. Therefore, the combined use of hydraulic, geochemical, geophysical and microbiological characterizations is required to understand the functioning and effects of deep flow on shallow subsurface ecosystems.

In this context, the session intends to analyze issues connected to groundwater management and its protection from qualitative and quantitative degradation (e.g. overexploitation, climate change and its consequences on groundwater, and groundwater contamination …) in the context of groundwater flow understanding.
Papers related to methods of defining groundwater flow, preventing, controlling and mitigating negative environmental impacts related to groundwater are also welcome.
This session is sponsored by IAH - Regional Groundwater Flow Commission.