We study the interactions between groundwater and seawater in coastal groundwater formations to secure the availability of drinking water and the good status of the marine environment. Uncontrolled exploitation of coastal aquifers (pumping) can reduce the flow of groundwater towards the sea, allowing seawater to intrude into the aquifer, reducing its water quality. On the other hand, groundwater discharging directly into the sea (for example, seabed springs) can transport significant amounts of nutrients and dissolved carbon, causing eutrophication and acidification of the coastal sea. We develop advanced modeling methods to understand these processes and to enable the management of coastal groundwater resources and the sustainable use of marine space. In the models, we take into account the effects of sea level rise, increasing drought and intensifying heavy rains due to climate change. Our research area covers the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Norwegian Sea.

2025

2028