Studying water dimensions through seismic methods, involving groundwater systems, water within the critical zone and soil, as well as surface water in the oceans, rivers, lakes, represents an impactful scientific frontier. Recent studies unveil the important potential of seismic methods in imaging and monitoring diverse types of water bodies, offering essential new information that could complement the conventional hydrological and remote-sensing observations. In this regard, our session seeks to foster relevant discussions concerning both methodological investigation and practical application in this domain. This would address, but is not limited to, research topics centered on:
• characterization of aquifers, e.g., seismic imaging and monitoring of groundwater, including its distribution, dynamics, depletion, and other anthropogenic impacts.
• observing impacts of climate change on the water cycle with seismic data, including ocean wave climate, sea level rise, ice melt, floods, droughts, and altered precipitation patterns to extreme weather.
• management of water resources related to ecosystem and habitability, e.g., water storage in the critical zone, surface and root-zone soil moisture, surface water like rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
• understanding of seismic wave propagation across various types of water bodies, involving theoretical frameworks, lab experiments, and methodological developments.
The session’s objective also extends to promoting interdisciplinary discussion and collaborations between seismologists, hydrologists, climatologists, and remote sensing specialists, emphasizing the essential need for a holistic approach to comprehending the complexities of the water cycle under changing climate conditions.