Chapter 17 - Adaptation Strategies to Address Rising Water Tables in Coastal Environments Under Future Climate and Sea-Level Rise Scenarios

Abstract

Climate change and sea-level rise will impact coastal aquifers by facilitating saltwater intrusion and/or changing the quantity of water recharging the groundwater system. Another less obvious, but equally important result of climate change and sea-level rise is rising water tables and/or groundwater inundation. Shallow water tables and groundwater inundation are likely to impact various types of infrastructure (e.g., septic systems, building foundations, roads, etc.) in coastal regions. Here, we report on the need to critically account for shallow water tables and groundwater inundation in research studies that address climate change and sea level. We highlight the need for consideration of adaptive and innovative groundwater management strategies that will address future changes to the groundwater systems, particularly those in coastal regions.