Introductory editorial thematic issue: Mediterranean karst hydrogeology

Abstract

This Special Thematic Issue of Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) is a collection of contributions from authors of the Mediterranean region in the specific field of karst hydrogeology. The editors invited well known researchers from Mediterranean countries, some of whom are members of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) Karst Commission, and encouraged them to provide a general or case history paper. Apologies are made to authors who were not invited with the hope to involve them in future projects. The idea to have such an issue originated during a meeting organised by the IAH-Italian Chapter in preparation for the 42nd Congress of IAH to be held in Rome in September 2015 (AQUA 2015). This opportunity is taken to thank the President of the Organising Committee of the IAH Congress, Marco Petitta, (University of Rome ‘‘La Sapienza’’) and Jo de Waele (University of Bologna) who have supported the idea and facilitated arrangements for this Special Thematic Issue. Support of the Editor in Chief of EES, James LaMoreaux, who approved the idea and followed up the publication process, is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also given to the Italian IAH Chapter, University of Rome ‘‘La Sapienza’’ and University of Sannio, which supported this issue. Finally, papers in this issue provide material that complements the Guides for several of the excursions organised on the occasion of this congress. Interest in karst aquifers continues to increase worldwide mainly because groundwater resources in these environments are generally more abundant than those in other environments which have been greatly exploited. In Mediterranean countries research in the field of karst hydrogeology has a long history and most methods have been applied and/or developed in various case studies in this region. The importance of karst aquifers in the Mediterranean area also relates to locally specific climatic conditions, characterised by long, dry and hot summers. Especially in the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean, the dry period could extend more than 6 months while in contrast the wet period could be reduced to 1–2 months. In such a climatic context variation of groundwater reserves in karst aquifers and the deficit of water in waterworks during dry periods (summer–autumn) is more the rule than the exception. Many engineering master works have been constructed in the past with the aim of regulating karst aquifer regimes; protecting fresh ground water from sea water intrusion; or keeping vulnerable karstic waters from uncontrolled pollution. These attempts have had great importance in the historical and economic development of the Mediterranean area as well as its civilization. The most powerful karst springs were easily tapped, and gravity channels allowed water to be supplied to high concentrations of people. Most large towns along the shoreline built up in the vicinity of large karstic springs. Ancient Rome and its empire are probably the most significant example: powerful karst springs fed ancient aqueducts, supplying large quantities of water for towns, villages, harbours, thermes and pools. More than 13 m/s of water flowed during that time & Francesco Fiorillo francescofiorillo@libero.it; francesco.fiorillo@unisannio.it