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Project title

Integrated modelling of hydrogeological/hydrological data and climate change scenarios for preselected Irish groundwater systems

Primary Funding Agency

Geological Survey Of Ireland (GSI)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Institute of Technology, Carlow

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

For clean cities (mission horizon Europe) geothermal reservoirs are prospected to be developed in many urban areas with the intent of replacing fossil fuel fired heating. In many urban areas the development of geothermal reservoirs is challenging - even if the subsurface reservoir conditions are relatively well known. The main objective is to demonstrate the potential for increased performance by 30-100% of major (marginal) reservoirs for heating in urban areas in the northern EU. Climate change will be a major driving force in shaping Ireland�s water resources and natural environment in coming decades. It will pose significant risks to water management, exacerbating existing pressures in terms of water supply, quality, flooding and drought. Early detection of these pressures in hydrological regimes is key to informing adaptation strategies and minimizing adverse environmental and societal impacts. This project proposes to develop a modelling and analysis approach to evaluate the vulnerability of groundwater systems in Ireland to a changing climate. This will be achieved by modelling and assessing groundwater system behaviour at both short- (flood forecasting) and long- (climate change impact) timescales. Together, project outputs will improve the national capacity to understand how groundwater resources respond to climatic stresses and improve the reliability of adaptation planning and predictions in the groundwater sector. The project will advance our understanding of climate change impacts on groundwater resources, address the deficit of data available in this area and in collaboration with the GSI enable the sustainable management of groundwater resources and to tackle the challenges resulting from climate and global change.

Grant Approved

�169,781.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

02/03/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/03/2020