INTERACTIONS BETWEEN GROUNDWATER - SURFACE WATER AND TERRESTRIAL ECO-SYSTEMS

摘要

The effective management of a water resource requires a balance to be struck between the water requirements of humans and the natural ecology of a catchment. This task becomes especially difficult in catchments that are characterised by significant groundwater-surface interactions. This is largely because the vital role that groundwater plays in supporting riverine and wetland ecosystems is poorly understood and is difficult to quantify. Once understood, the implications of the interdependence of groundwater and eco-systems often present serious challenges for the future management of the water environment. This paper explores some of the challenges posed by the following elements: (ⅰ) identifying and characterising groundwater-surface water interactions -hydraulic connections, water quality and ecological dependence, (ⅱ) determining environmental needs - ecological flows/levels and water quality requirements, (ⅲ) assessing the impact of groundwater ions and pollutants on groundwater fed rivers, lakes and wetlands; and, (ⅳ) some implications of the above to the future management of the water environment.