Groundwater is a crucial global freshwater resource, significantly influencing ecosystem stability and enabling sustainable human development in response to environmental shifts. However, the impact of high-intensity human activities, including agricultural irrigation, industrial expansion, urbanization, and resource extraction, poses significant challenges to groundwater systems. This perturbation has emerged as a prominent global environmental issue, altering hydrogeological conditions and redefining groundwater circulation pathways. Energy and research need to focus on addressing these disruptions to safeguard this invaluable resource. While ongoing debates and studies focus on the extent of these changes, there remains a critical need for further investigation into the long-term effects of anthropogenic influences on groundwater systems.
This Research Topic aims to explore the multidimensional impact of intense human activities on groundwater volumes, quality, and circulation. The core objectives include elucidating the mechanisms by which human actions damage groundwater dynamics, examining pollutant inputs and associated deterioration of quality, and reconstructing management strategies for sustainable resource use. The research will seek to answer pertinent questions, such as: How do these activities alter hydrogeological frameworks? What innovative management practices can mitigate negative consequences? By addressing these inquiries, we aspire to contribute to a deeper understanding of human-groundwater interactions.
To gather further insights into the scope of human impacts on groundwater systems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanisms of damage to groundwater volume and circulation pathways;
• Pollutant importation and degradation of groundwater quality;
• Groundwater pollution investigation techniques;
• Reorganization of geological and hydrological systems;
• Responses of ecological and global water cycles to human activities;
• Innovative strategies for groundwater resource management.
We encourage the submission of original research, review articles, and case studies. Your contributions will foster advancements in understanding and managing the intricate relationship between human development and groundwater systems.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: Intense Human Activities (coal mine and non-coal mine, tunnel construction, etc.), Groundwater circulation, Groundwater pollution investigation, Groundwater quality and quantity assessment, Groundwater resource management and utilization
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.