Groundwater bodies in ecology and ecosystems

Abstract

The symbiosis of two worlds, abiotic and biotic, requires a diffusible and active bridge between them, which is water. Furthermore, water takes part in photosynthesis in plants allowing biological organisms to transform inorganic materials into organic ones. The hydraulic connections between surface and ground waters ensure water availability and quality. These interactions have an important ecological significance. The transition zone between the two systems, known as an ecotone, ensures the smooth mutual contribution of the surface, hyporheic and ground water ecosystems. Finally the groundwater systems have their own “groundwater ecology”. As every alteration to the natural environment, climatic change affects the ecosystems, modifying the water supply (precipitation) and ecosystems parameters; e.g., directly in the case of temperature and humidity, or indirectly in the case of pH, electric conductivity, redox potential, and carbon dioxide (CO2) entrainment.