Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia
Groundwater management in transboundary aquifers is complex due to the hidden nature of groundwater and its intricate interactions with surface water. The overarching issue lies in the need for improved tools and strategies to manage transboundary aquifers effectively, given their critical importanc...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Water |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/19/3327 |
| _version_ | 1797575106810085376 |
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| author | Marlen Hunt Andres Marandi Inga Retike |
| author_facet | Marlen Hunt Andres Marandi Inga Retike |
| author_sort | Marlen Hunt |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Groundwater management in transboundary aquifers is complex due to the hidden nature of groundwater and its intricate interactions with surface water. The overarching issue lies in the need for improved tools and strategies to manage transboundary aquifers effectively, given their critical importance to regional water resources and ecosystems. In addressing these challenges, this study focuses on a specific transboundary aquifer system between Estonia and Latvia, situated within the sedimentary rocks of North-East Europe. Here, we propose a conceptual model approach as a valuable tool for comprehending the hydrogeological characteristics of transboundary aquifers and supporting more efficient management strategies. Utilizing open-source software MODFLOW-6, our developed conceptual model integrates the aquifer system’s geological and hydrogeological framework and simulates groundwater flow under transient conditions. Our findings highlight a profound hydrological connection between groundwater and surface water, particularly within the first 200 m of the aquifer. Despite varying cross-border groundwater flows, collaboration remains vital for sustainable transboundary aquifer management, aligning with international agreements such as the Water Convention and the EU Water Framework Directive, benefiting similar systems. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:32:41Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b6b60e86723a4ab093c412aeb6904207 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2073-4441 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:32:41Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Water |
| spelling | doaj.art-b6b60e86723a4ab093c412aeb69042072023-11-19T15:15:07ZengMDPI AGWater2073-44412023-09-011519332710.3390/w15193327Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and LatviaMarlen Hunt0Andres Marandi1Inga Retike2Department of Geology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, EstoniaDepartment of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Geological Survey of Estonia, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 5, 44314 Rakvere, EstoniaFaculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, 1004 Riga, LatviaGroundwater management in transboundary aquifers is complex due to the hidden nature of groundwater and its intricate interactions with surface water. The overarching issue lies in the need for improved tools and strategies to manage transboundary aquifers effectively, given their critical importance to regional water resources and ecosystems. In addressing these challenges, this study focuses on a specific transboundary aquifer system between Estonia and Latvia, situated within the sedimentary rocks of North-East Europe. Here, we propose a conceptual model approach as a valuable tool for comprehending the hydrogeological characteristics of transboundary aquifers and supporting more efficient management strategies. Utilizing open-source software MODFLOW-6, our developed conceptual model integrates the aquifer system’s geological and hydrogeological framework and simulates groundwater flow under transient conditions. Our findings highlight a profound hydrological connection between groundwater and surface water, particularly within the first 200 m of the aquifer. Despite varying cross-border groundwater flows, collaboration remains vital for sustainable transboundary aquifer management, aligning with international agreements such as the Water Convention and the EU Water Framework Directive, benefiting similar systems.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/19/3327MODFLOW-6water balancecross-border areatransboundary cooperationBaltic countries |
| spellingShingle | Marlen Hunt Andres Marandi Inga Retike Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia Water MODFLOW-6 water balance cross-border area transboundary cooperation Baltic countries |
| title | Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia |
| title_full | Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia |
| title_fullStr | Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia |
| title_short | Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia |
| title_sort | water balance calculation for a transboundary aquifer system between estonia and latvia |
| topic | MODFLOW-6 water balance cross-border area transboundary cooperation Baltic countries |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/19/3327 |
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