Evaluation of Spatial and Temporal Impacts of Climate Change on Groundwater Levels in Ireland

Groundwater is a vital part of the natural water system, providing essential resources for drinking and supporting various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Groundwater levels are primarily influenced by climate conditions and the physical features of the aquifer recharge area. With ongoing and projected climate change, Irish aquifers face significant pressure, as they rely on natural processes to replenish storage.

Understanding the trends, variability, and seasonality of groundwater levels due to climate change requires a reliable empirical estimation method. This project is developing a novel empirical model using Artificial Intelligence to relate groundwater levels with key climatic variables and catchment characteristics.

The research employs a combination of a fuzzy clustering procedure and an artificial network statistical model to create this predictive tool. It investigates the impact of climate change on different types of Irish aquifers. The results will be integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, illustrating the spatial and temporal variations of climate impacts across the Republic of Ireland.

This evidence-based research will provide crucial insights for setting policies and planning related to groundwater resource management.