HS8.2.3

Karst aquifers are hydrological systems characterized by extreme surface and subsurface heterogeneities as well as unique hydrodynamic and transport processes. Therefore, they are often very challenging and complex to conceptualize using conventional modelling approaches. This complex connectivity, together with the great variability of hydrological processes, makes the sustainable management of karst a challenging task in terms of water quantity and quality: on one hand, the complex and heterogeneous nature of karst aquifers makes it difficult to quantify available water resources; on the other hand, karst groundwater resources are highly vulnerable and easily contaminated by pollution because of the rapidity of conduit flow. An appropriate management of these vulnerable groundwater resources, thus, requires: 1) an enhanced understanding of the natural processes that govern the hydrodynamic and transport processes in karstic environments, and 2) innovative and transferable field and modeling tools to characterize and simulate the specific hydrological behavior of karst systems in order to mitigate the detrimental effects of hazardous processes and environmental problems.
This session calls for abstracts on research related to geomorphology, hydrogeology, engineering geology and hazard mitigation in karst environments in the context of climate change and increasing anthropogenic impacts. More precisely, we welcome contributions that propose innovative new and/or showcase existing field and modeling tools which strike to enhance the assessment of karst groundwater resources in a changing world.