4 - Prospects of engineering applications of submarine-groundwater-discharge research in Japan

Abstract

This chapter discusses the prospects of engineering applications of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) research in Japan. SGD and chemical fluxes through SGD are subjects of active study in the fields of marine science and hydrology. Although only a few measurements of SGD are made in Japan, the importance of SGD in coastal hydrological activities is well recognized in the country. Slight differences in hydrological conditions affecting SGD might sometimes cause serious problems for large-scale constructions, such as undersea tunnels and energy storage facilities. Understanding of SGD fluxes and their impact on hydrological environments is important for coastal zone management. The chapter reviews recent studies on SGD and its role in hydrological environments. It also reviews some problems and interesting topics of SGD research in Japan from an engineering point of view.