A geological and geophysical database for the assessment of offshore freshened groundwater resources

Abstract Fresh groundwater resources in coastal regions are vital for modern society, but are under considerable pressure due to population growth, seasonal peaks in demand, pollution and climate change. In recent years, interest in offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) has surged, as potential resource for addressing these challenges. Recent studies have documented OFG occurrences on many continental margins and islands, with global volume estimates ranging between 10 5 -10⁶ km 3 . However, these global estimates rely on simplified assumptions regarding aquifer geometry and properties, as they only are intended to give an idea of the scale of these resources. Focused studies on specific coastal regions are required to evaluate the distribution of these resources locally. However, these studies are often hampered by the technical challenge and high cost of acquiring and processing data in marine regions. Thus, the understanding of aquifers, including their occurrence, volumes, and their geological and hydrological properties, remains limited. In this context, this study aims to develop a comprehensive, open access database that integrates existing geophysical, geological, and geochemical datasets to enhance OFG characterisation and modelling capabilities in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Moreover, this database aims to support hydrological studies on offshore aquifers and coastal hydrology, and help modelling of groundwater flow from recharge areas. The remaining challenges regarding data accessibility and resolution are then discussed, underscoring the need for further interdisciplinary research and data sharing to ensure the sustainable management of this valuable resource.

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Publication Details

Journal
Hydrogeology Journal
Published
2025-11-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-025-02968-2
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.34
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article

A geological and geophysical database for the assessment of offshore freshened groundwater resources

Jasper Hoffmann, Davide Gamboa, F.J. Lobo, A. Shaban et al.
1 citations
Hydrogeology Journal
Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry
1.34
article

A geological and geophysical database for the assessment of offshore freshened groundwater resources

Jasper Hoffmann, Davide Gamboa, F.J. Lobo, A. Shaban, Aaron Micallef, Muhammad Usman, Valentina Marzia Rossi, Inga Retiķe, Sarra Bachtouli, Thomas M. Hermans, Erika Barison, Marieke Paepen, Claudia Bertoni, Martina Busetti, Arben Pambuku, Michela Giustiniani, Ricardo León, Hiba Wazaz, Evangelos Tziritis, Cristina Corradin, Johanna Lofi, Ariel T. Thomas, Xavier García, Giulio Vignoli, Moncef Zaïri
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Abstract Fresh groundwater resources in coastal regions are vital for modern society, but are under considerable pressure due to population growth, seasonal peaks in demand, pollution and climate change. In recent years, interest in offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) has surged, as potential resource for addressing these challenges. Recent studies have documented OFG occurrences on many continental margins and islands, with global volume estimates ranging between 10 5 -10⁶ km 3 . However, these global estimates rely on simplified assumptions regarding aquifer geometry and properties, as they only are intended to give an idea of the scale of these resources. Focused studies on specific coastal regions are required to evaluate the distribution of these resources locally. However, these studies are often hampered by the technical challenge and high cost of acquiring and processing data in marine regions. Thus, the understanding of aquifers, including their occurrence, volumes, and their geological and hydrological properties, remains limited. In this context, this study aims to develop a comprehensive, open access database that integrates existing geophysical, geological, and geochemical datasets to enhance OFG characterisation and modelling capabilities in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Moreover, this database aims to support hydrological studies on offshore aquifers and coastal hydrology, and help modelling of groundwater flow from recharge areas. The remaining challenges regarding data accessibility and resolution are then discussed, underscoring the need for further interdisciplinary research and data sharing to ensure the sustainable management of this valuable resource.

Hydrogeology Journal
Tunis University (TN), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LV), HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts (BE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (US), University of Trieste (IT), University of Sfax (TN), University of Cagliari (IT), University of Malta (MT), Université de Montpellier (FR), Academy of Sciences of Albania (AL), Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (ES), Ghent University (BE), Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (ES), National Council for Scientific Research (LB), Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IT), Géosciences Montpellier (FR), Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (GR), Institut de Ciències del Mar (ES), National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (IT), University of Aveiro (PT), Tunis El Manar University (TN), University of Latvia (LV), University of Bologna (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry
1.34
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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