Akademska digitalna zbirka SLovenije - logo
ALL libraries (COBIB.SI union bibliographic/catalogue database)
  • Classifying groundwater ecosystems [Elektronski vir]
    Robertson, Anne ...
    Groundwaters are a critical part of the freshwater hydrological continuum. They are home to unique and diverse bacterial and metazoan communities that supply essential ecosystem services to humans. ... Bespoke classification systems for groundwater ecosystems are still incomplete and their further development is essential to support conservation efforts for groundwaters, and resource protection measures. We consider existing classification systems for groundwater ecosystems at four hierarchical spatial scales: global, continental, landscape and local/habitat. At the largest scale the eight realms used to delimit terrestrial ecosystems, based on tectonic movements, marine extensions and climate conditions are relevant to groundwaters. Following the classification of ecoregions in terrestrial systems at the continental scale, often shaped by earth historical events like ice ages, the development of stygoregions in groundwaters is a promising initiative. At the landscape scale, groundwater ecosystems are classified by hydrogeologic units or geographic regions. Hydrogeologic units integrate ecologically important features such as permeability, pore size and hydrological exchange with surface waters and adjacent groundwaters. Their effectiveness as classification units varies with the size of area covered. Geographic regions are distinguished by common natural features such as landscape form and geology and result in an effective separation of communities. At the local scale, aquifers are widely classified as: (1) compact/aquitard rocks, (2) unconsolidated sediments, (3) fractured rocks, and (4) karstic rocks, differing in permeability, chemical properties, and available living space. To develop fit for purpose classification systems for groundwater ecosystems we advocate following the accepted classifications of biogeography and landscape ecology, but with groundwater related specifications. Groundwater classification systems are important to integrate groundwater ecosystems into the monitoring of freshwater aquatic ecosystems.
    Source: Groundwater ecology and evolution [Elektronski vir] (Str. 39-60)
    Type of material - e-article ; adult, serious
    Publish date - 2023
    Language - english
    COBISS.SI-ID - 150237443

    Link(s):

    https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819119-4.00007-X
    DOI

Shelf entry