Climate change is altering hydrological patterns and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme events such as heatwaves, droughts, intense precipitation, cold spells, and rapid freeze–thaw transitions. Groundwater systems are particularly vulnerable to these effects across multiple time scales, with vulnerability increasing as their dynamics exhibit greater sensitivity to climatic and hydrological extremes, particularly in cold-climate hydrosystems. Climate-driven perturbations can alter groundwater–surface connectivity, aquifer recharge and groundwater quality. In turn, such changes may trigger cascading processes, including land subsidence, threats to food security, freshwater scarcity, variations in freeze-thaw dynamics and saltwater intrusion.
This session seeks to deepen our understanding of the full spectrum of qualitative and quantitative impacts of extreme hydroclimatic conditions on groundwater systems, and their representation through numerical modeling and data-driven approaches.
We welcome contributions that provide insights into innovative methodologies, field case studies, or novel perspectives investigating the qualitative and quantitative impacts that extreme hydroclimatic conditions exert on groundwater systems, with a specific focus on cold-climate hydrosystems, whose dynamics are strongly controlled by prolonged cold winters, warm summers, and variable presence of snowpack, soil frost, and permafrost. In particular, we welcome studies that address: (i) comparative analysis of methodologies and system responses across different spatial scales and climatic contexts; (ii) novel modeling frameworks including past, present, and projected variations of extreme hydroclimatic events; (iii) characterization and modeling of system memory, including how aquifers and subsurface catchments retain the effects of past events; (iv) analysis of aquifer systems recovery times; (v) evaluation of the consequences of combined climatic and anthropogenic stresses on groundwater systems; (vi) identification and assessment of potential mitigation and adaptation strategies.
By bringing together field observations, modelling studies, and theoretical approaches, this session aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and advance predictive understanding of groundwater system resilience under accelerating hydroclimatic extremes.
Julia Guimond