Abstract
The present study deals with the response of limestone aquifers to climate change. Central Italy is taken as representative region as characterized by extensive out cropping of karst/fractured limestones (Figure1),the aquifers of which supply several mountain springs having high quality water (Figure2). The recharge areas of mountain springs are virtually unaffected by human activity (no pumping wells): thus, the spring’s discharge analysis represents a useful tool to understand climate change and its effect on ground water regimes (Figure1). After climatic characterization of the Central Apenninearea on various time-scales (annual, seasonal and monthly), based on climate data for a 60-year period (1951-2008), the response of various springs to prolonged drought periods is analyzed in relationship to the geological setting of the irrecharge areas.
Keywords
drought, climate change, Italy
Date of this Version
6-21-2011
Comments
Poster