News and Announcements
Celebrating Prof. Joe (József) Tóth (1933–2026) at the IAH 2026
A special commemorative session at the IAH 2026 World Groundwater Congress in Budapest was dedicated to the life and legacy of Prof. József (Joe) Tóth (1933–2026), founder and Lifetime Honorary Chair of the IAH Regional Groundwater Flow Commission (RGFC).
The session held particular significance for the RGFC community, bringing together former students, colleagues, collaborators and friends to remember Joe as a pioneering scientist, teacher, mentor and colleague whose ideas have influenced generations of hydrogeologists.
Judit Mádl-Szőnyi reflected on meeting Professor Tóth in 1994, an encounter that fundamentally changed both her scientific career and the way she thought about groundwater. As her mentor, Joe introduced her to the systems approach to groundwater flow and influenced the subsequent development of this field at Eötvös Loránd University.
“He taught me not only to look in the field, but to truly see.”
Hanneke Verweij highlighted Joe’s influence on groundwater and petroleum-system research in the Netherlands. Tóth’s hydraulic theory of petroleum migration sparked her interest in interactions between large-scale groundwater flow and petroleum systems and contributed to a research direction that developed through numerous projects in the Netherlands and beyond.
“Tóth’s concept of groundwater as geologic agent has motivated me to always use and integrate a wide variety of data, information, concepts and tools from different geoscience disciplines.”
Chunmiao Zheng described encountering Tóth’s landmark work as a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the late 1980s. The theory of regional groundwater flow systems became fundamental to his understanding of hydrogeology and influenced the direction of his subsequent work in groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling.
“His theory fundamentally shaped my understanding of hydrogeology and the direction of my career.”
The session also provided room for some lighter and deeply personal memories. Ladislaus Rybach recalled the group of professors of Hungarian origin who met at the 1998 IAH Conference in Lausanne (Joe Tóth, Imre Müller, László Király and himself) humorously known as the “Hungarian Hydrogeology Mafia”. Behind the name was a close professional community whose members supported and helped each other throughout their careers.
Brigitta Czauner reflected on growing up scientifically in the tradition of Tóthian flow-system theory as a student of Judit Mádl-Szőnyi at Eötvös Loránd University, and later having the opportunity to learn basin hydraulics directly from Professor Tóth during her PhD studies at the University of Alberta.
“He was not only an outstanding hydrogeologist, but also a very special person.”
Matthew Currell took the audience back to the 2013 International Symposium on Regional Groundwater Flow in Xi’an, China, where Professor Tóth was guest of honour. The meeting, and particularly its field trip to the Ordos Basin, became a formative experience for many early-career hydrogeologists.
“Professor Tóth generously shared his insights and his wry sense of humour.”
Ádám Tóth shared another field experience with special significance. During the RGFC symposium in Alberta in 2017, he had the opportunity to visit Ghost Pine Creek, the landscape that inspired Joe’s pioneering work on regional groundwater flow, together with Joe himself.
“Revisiting Ghost Pine Creek, the birthplace of the groundbreaking basin-scale groundwater flow theory, with Jóska bá was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
For Okke Batelaan, the combination of scientific originality and personality was central to remembering Joe:
“Joe Tóth embodied for me the beauty of science when it is surprising, inspiring and human.”
János Szanyi offered a particularly personal farewell. Recalling Joe’s departure from Hungary and a vow he was known to mention later in life, he reflected on what Joe ultimately gave back to Hungarian hydrogeology:
“I know not what that vow might have been, but it bore only rich fruit for Hungarian hydrogeology.”
Finally, Teodóra Szőcs reflected on the profound influence of Professor Tóth on modern hydrogeological thinking in Hungary. His flow-system approach became relevant not only to fundamental groundwater research, but to practical questions ranging from radioactive waste disposal and groundwater-body characterization to geothermal systems, contamination and hydrochemical evolution. She also recalled Joe’s support for the Hungarian hydrogeological community, including his encouragement of the establishment of the Hungarian National Chapter of the IAH in 2006.
“His scientific legacy continues to shape generations of hydrogeologists in Hungary and worldwide.”
For the RGFC community in particular, Joe’s legacy has a special meaning. The Commission itself grew from the scientific framework that Joe pioneered, and the continuing development and application of regional groundwater flow-system thinking remain at the heart of its activities.
The commemorative session in Budapest therefore served not only as an opportunity to look back, but also as a reminder that Joe Tóth’s scientific legacy remains very much alive in current research, in the work of his students and their students, and in an international community that continues to explore and develop the ideas he set in motion.
Keep it Flowing.
Presenters and participants of the commemorative session celebrating Prof. Joe Tóth at IAH 2026 in Budapest. From left to right: Hanneke Verweij, Okke Batelaan, Ádám Tóth, Mathew Currell, Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, Tom Gleeson, Szilvia Szkolnikovics-Simon, Grant Ferguson, Teodóra Szőcs, János Szaniy, Ladislaus Rybach, Brigitta Czauner, Andrea Mindszenty, Márk Szijártó, Ildikó Erhardt, Ágnes Török.
IAH-RGFC session at the IAH 2026 Congress in Budapest
The Commission organised a dedicated scientific session at the IAH 2026 World Groundwater Congress in Budapest entitled “Evolving from Tóth’s gravitational systems of groundwater flow to integrated basin-scale fluid systems for addressing 21st-century challenges.”
The session was held on 15 September in two parts and was chaired by Hanneke Verweij and Szilvia Simon in the morning, and Judit Mádl-Szőnyi and John Molson in the afternoon. Altogether, the programme brought together 11 oral presentations and one poster contribution.
The session explored how József (Joe) Tóth’s foundational concept of gravitationally driven groundwater flow systems has evolved into a broader framework for understanding subsurface fluid processes. Tóth’s recognition of hierarchically nested local, intermediate and regional flow systems fundamentally changed the way groundwater circulation is conceptualised, demonstrating that groundwater flow needs to be understood beyond the boundaries of individual aquifers.
Holding this session in Budapest had special significance for the RGFC. Prof. József Tóth (1933–2026) was the founder and Lifetime Honorary Chair of the Commission, and his ideas form the scientific foundation on which the RGFC community was built. The session demonstrated that his legacy is not only historical: the concepts he introduced continue to be tested, refined and expanded through research around the world, providing new perspectives for addressing groundwater and environmental challenges in the 21st century.
The RGFC thanks all presenters, poster contributors, session chairs and participants for their contributions and the stimulating discussions throughout the session.
Keep it flowing!
Prof. József (Joe) Tóth final message to our community
Prof. Joe Tóth (1933–2026) was one of the most influential figures in modern hydrogeology and the founder and Lifetime Honorary Chair of the IAH-RGFC Regional Groundwater Flow Commission.
Prof. Tóth established the RGFC, creating an international community dedicated to advancing research, education, and the practical application of regional groundwater flow systems. The Commission remains one of the lasting institutional expressions of his scientific vision: understanding groundwater not simply within individual aquifers, but as part of basin-scale, dynamic, and geologically active flow systems.
Prof. Tóth recorded this message during the preparations for the IAH 2026 World Groundwater Congress in Budapest. Following his passing on 3 July 2026, it was presented posthumously during the Opening Ceremony on 15 September 2026, as part of a tribute to his extraordinary scientific legacy.
Call for Contributions – A Special Commemorative Session Celebrating Prof. József (Joe) Tóth (1933–2026)
As part of the 53rd IAH World Groundwater Congress in Budapest, a special commemorative session will be dedicated to the life, personality, teaching, and lasting scientific legacy of Professor József (Joe) Tóth.
We warmly invite former students, colleagues, collaborators, and friends attending IAH2026 in Budapest to join this special session, share their memories and reflections, and come together to pay tribute to József Tóth and his lasting legacy.
Contributions may include personal memories and reflections, shared scientific or field experiences, and perspectives on the continuing impact of his work on hydrogeology.
Date and time of the session: 15 September 2026, 16:45–18:15
Session Chair: Judit Mádl-Szőnyi
Submission deadline: 23 August 2026
Full details and submission instructions are available here.
We hope that together we can create a meaningful tribute to Joe’s remarkable life and enduring influence on the international hydrogeological community.
In Memoriam – Professor Joe (József) Tóth (1933–2026)
Deep sadness has been felt throughout the international hydrogeological community following the passing of Professor Joe Tóth, founder of the theory of regional groundwater flow systems, Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta, Honorary Professor of Eötvös Loránd University, and external member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He passed away on 3 July 2026 in Edmonton, Canada, in the 94th year of his life.
His pioneering scientific work fundamentally transformed modern hydrogeology and established the conceptual foundations for understanding groundwater flow systems at regional scales. His achievements were recognized through numerous international awards, including the O. E. Meinzer Award, the IAH President’s Award, the Robert N. Farvolden Award, the M. King Hubbert Science Award, and the C. V. Theis Award.
Throughout his life, Professor Tóth remained deeply committed to the international hydrogeological community and to supporting future generations of researchers. His scientific legacy continues through his publications, students, and the institutions and initiatives inspired by his work.
The full Farewell tribute can be read here: In Memoriam Professor Joe Toth
Farewell, Professor Tóth. Farewell, dear Joe. Your journey continues in the waters, landscapes, ideas, and
people you helped us understand.
Dr. John Molson Received the Farvolden Award in 2026
The RGFC is delighted to congratulate our Board Member, Dr. John Molson (Université Laval, Quebec City), on receiving the Robert N. Farvolden Award at the Joint Canadian Geophysical Union and IAH/AIH Canada-International Association of Hydrogeologists Annual Meeting, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 24–27 May.
The Robert N. Farvolden Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the earth sciences and engineering that emphasize the role and importance of groundwater. Named in honour of Professor Robert N. Farvolden, the award is one of Canada’s most prestigious recognitions in groundwater science.
We are proud to see John’s long-standing contributions to groundwater research and education acknowledged with this well-deserved honour. His dedication to advancing our understanding of regional groundwater flow and his service to the international hydrogeological community have made a lasting impact.
The award was presented by Dr. Masaki Hayashi (University of Calgary), a close colleague and previous recipient of the Farvolden Award.
Congratulations, John, on this outstanding achievement!
More about the Robert N. Farvolden Award: https://www.iahcnc.ca/en/robert-n-farvolden-award
Alessia Kachadourian Marras & Maribel Manzo Garrido – The 6th Lecture of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series
The sixth lecture took place on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Our speakers were Alessia Kachadourian Marras (Founder and director of U-Flows, Mexico) and Maribel Manzo Garrido (Hydrogeologist, U-Flows, Mexico). The title of their presentation was Regional Groundwater Flow Systems: Application in Sustainable Hotel Design. In their talk, they explained how a systemic understanding of regional groundwater flow can stimulate scientific research in tourism developments and how hydrogeological knowledge can be translated into practical design, construction, and operational decisions.
If you could not join the lecture live, you can now re-watch the full talk on YouTube via this link.
We thank all participants for joining this successful event and for contributing to the discussion that followed.
The next lecture will follow in October. Updates will be announced on our LinkedIn page. Follow us for more info!
Attila Galsa PhD – The 5th Lecture of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series
The fifth lecture took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, attracting more than 30 participants from around the world. Our speaker, Prof. Attila Galsa (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary), gave an interesting talk titled: “Dynamic interaction of different forces driving groundwater flow: Phenomenon of topothermohaline convection”. He introduced the interaction among forced, free thermal, and free haline convection and its effects on groundwater flow and intensity. The dynamic relationship among these driving forces was demonstrated using numerical models of both synthetic and real hydrogeological situations.
If you could not join the lecture live, you can now re-watch the full talk on YouTube via this link.
We thank all participants for joining this successful event and for contributing to the discussion that followed.
The next lecture will follow in June. Updates will be announced on our LinkedIn page. Follow us for more info!
Masaki Hayashi PhD – The 4th Lecture of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series
The fourth lecture took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, attracting more than 80 participants from around the world. Our speaker, Dr Masaki Hayashi (University of Calgary, Canada), gave an interesting talk titled: “Importance of geological heterogeneity in groundwater flow systems: Canadian examples”. He explained how systematic variability in permeability can override the effects of topography, resulting in a completely different flow system compared to the simple topography-driven flow. A few examples from Canada were used to demonstrate the importance of considering geological heterogeneity.
If you could not join the lecture live, you can now re-watch the full talk on YouTube via this link.
We thank all participants for joining this successful event and for contributing to the discussion that followed.
The next lecture will follow in May. Updates will be announced on our LinkedIn page. Follow us for more info!
Yueqing Xie PhD – The 3rd Lecture of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series
The third lecture took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, attracting more than 30 participants from around the world. Our speaker, Dr Yueqing Xie (Nanjing University of China), presented an interesting talk titled: “Groundwater flow and age in topography-driven groundwater flow systems with geological barriers”.
If you could not join the lecture live, you can now re-watch the full talk on YouTube via this link.
We thank all participants for joining this successful event and for contributing to the discussion that followed.
The next lecture will follow in April. Updates will be announced on our LinkedIn page. Follow us for more info!
Luka Serianz PhD – The 2nd Lecture of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series
The second lecture took place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, attracting more than 40 participants from around the world. Our speaker, Dr. Luka Serianz (Geological Survey of Slovenia), presented an interesting talk titled: “The relevance of topography-driven groundwater flow in alpine regions: A case study from the Julian Alps, Slovenia”.
If you could not join the lecture live, you can now re-watch the full talk on YouTube via this link.
We thank all participants for joining this successful event and for contributing to the discussion that followed.
The next lecture will follow in March. Updates will be announced on our LinkedIn page. Follow us for more info!
Abstract Submission is Now Open for the Next IAH Congress
The 53rd Congress of the International Association of Hydrogeologists will take place in Budapest from 14 to 18 September 2026.
“The conference focuses on the crucial role of groundwater as a multi-resource essential for environmental sustainability, societal well-being, and resource management. It explores the complex interactions within groundwater systems, including deep and shallow aquifers, karst and fractured rock formations, and processes in the unsaturated zone. The event emphasizes the importance of groundwater in supporting green energy transition, particularly through geothermal and mineral resources.” (Source: https://iah2026budapest.com/)
We are happy to share the news that our YouTube channel is active again! We will regularly upload the recordings from the RGFC Lecture Series, along with other educational videos on regional groundwater flow systems.
Subscribe to stay updated on new content!
Click here to check out our videos: www.youtube.com/@iahrgfc
In Memory of Professor José Joel Carillo Rivera (1943 – 2024)
As we mark one year since his passing, this tribute reflects on the extraordinary life, scientific achievements, and lasting influence of Professor José Joel Carrillo Rivera – a true pioneer and visionary in the field of hydrogeology. His research has profoundly deepened our understanding of regional groundwater flow systems, both in Mexico and worldwide.
Featuring memories and reflections from his colleagues, students, and friends, this short video celebrates his lifelong dedication to science, his generosity as a mentor, and his enduring impact on the international hydrogeological community.
The video was created and coordinated by Samira Ouysse, edited by Mateusz Morawa, with contributions from Professor Carrillo Rivera’s colleagues, students, and friends.
RGFC Session at EGU26 – Call For Abstracts
We are pleased to invite you to present your work at the next EGU General Assembly in 2026 (3 – 8 May 2026) that will be held in Vienna (Austria) and online. We would like to draw your attention to the session proposed by the RGFC. We encourage anyone to submit an abstract by 15 January 2026, 13:00 CET.
Title: HS8.2.12 – Approaches for enhancing sustainable water management and solving environmental issues
Conveners: Stefania Stevenazzi | Co-conveners: Manuela Lasagna, Jim LaMoreaux, Szilvia Simon, Xiao-Wei Jiang
Description: In a context of societal development and increasing demand for natural resources, human needs and environmental impacts must be considered together in order to sustainably manage these resources, especially with regard to groundwater resources. Therefore, a thorough investigation of groundwater availability that inspires sustainable water consumption and facilitates groundwater management is of high importance. This means considering not only the availability and quality of water resources, but also ensuring the preservation of related ecosystems. Moreover, the impacts on groundwater resources, ecosystems and societies due to ongoing climate change should also be considered. The objective of this session is to gather case studies and scientific contributions connected to sustainable management of groundwater and its protection from degradation and deterioration, e.g., due to over-exploitation, competition for water resources, natural or anthropogenic contamination, and climate change. Contributions are invited on, but not limited to, the following subjects: (i) the use of environmental tracers (chemical species and isotopes) for investigating natural processes and human impacts on water resources, (ii) the assessment of hydrogeological budgets for the evaluation of water availability, and (iii) methods for preventing, managing and mitigating harmful environmental impacts related to groundwater, as well as (iv) identifying major existing challenges and critical issues. Contributions may span from local, to regional, to continental scale studies.
Further information about the session: https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU26/session/57082
Guidelines on how to submit an abstract: https://www.egu26.eu/authors/abstract_submission.html
See also the registration page for more details: https://www.egu26.eu/attendance/registration.html
New IAH-RGFC LinkedIn Page
The IAH Regional Groundwater Flow Commission (RGFC) now has a new LinkedIn page, a platform created to promote scientific dialogue and share recent publications, research highlights, and insights related to regional groundwater flow systems.
The page aims to encourage discussion among researchers, practitioners, and students interested in groundwater flow systems.
If you have recently published a paper or study relevant to this field, we warmly invite you to share it with the community by contacting our social media coordinator, Petra Baják, via direct message on the LinkedIn page.
Visit us and join the conversation: IAH-RGFC LinkedIn Page
Successful Launch of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series
We are pleased to announce the successful launch of the IAH-RGFC Lecture Series, which aims to share the latest scientific findings on regional groundwater flow systems and foster discussion within the hydrogeological community.
The first lecture took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, attracting more than 30 participants from around the world. Our speaker, Dr. Brigitta Czauner (Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest), presented an interesting talk titled: “Regional Groundwater Flow Systems in the Pannonian Basin, Hungary: Non-renewable groundwater resources at surprisingly shallow depth”.
If you could not join the lecture live, you can now re-watch the full talk on YouTube via this link.
We thank all participants for joining this successful event and for contributing to the discussion that followed.
The RGFC Lecture Series will continue on a bi-monthly basis, featuring speakers from diverse institutions and research backgrounds. Upcoming lectures will be announced on our LinkedIn page. Follow us for more info!
Successful session at IAH 2025, Melbourne, Australia
The 52nd World Congress of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) was held in Melbourne, Australia, from 15 to 19 September 2025. The conference theme, “Groundwater now and for the future”, reflected the aim of addressing global hydrogeological challenges such as sustainable water management, the impacts of climate change, urbanization, and groundwater quality issues. A special emphasis was placed on incorporating Indigenous knowledge and fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities, which is particularly valuable for uncovering local practices and insights that can support water management and protection strategies. The conference welcomed over 800 participants from around the world.
The special session organized by the IAH Regional Groundwater Flow Commission also took place at the conference. The session was coordinated by Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, Szilvia Simon, Xiao-Wei Jiang, and Samira Ouysse. It brought together research on regional groundwater flow systems from every part of the world. The session also included a tribute to the late Professor Joel Carrillo Rivera, our esteemed posthumous honorary chair.
Tribute to Prof José Joel Carrillo Rivera at the congress
RGFC session at IAH 2025, Melbourne, Australia
We are pleased to share the schedule for the upcoming session proposed by the Regional Groundwater Flow Commission (RGFC) at the 52nd IAH Congress, to be held in Melbourne, Australia (15 September–19 September 2025).
The session, “Regional Groundwater Flow Systems”, chaired by Szilvia Simon and Ben Hall, will take place on 17 September (Wednesday) between 1:30 and 3 pm (AEST).
Presentations include:
◆ Xiaowei Jiang: Mechanisms driving hydrochemical evolution from HCO3-Ca-Mg type to HCO3-Na type water in a sandstone aquifer: evidence from Mg and Ca isotopes
◆ Mohamed Rouai: Geophysical Prospecting of Groundwater in the Middle Atlas of Morocco: Study Case
◆ Carol Sharp: Regional flow systems in karstic aquifers of arid/semi-arid regions
◆ Guanghui Jiang: Distribution of Transboundary Aquifers and the Karst Geological Environmental Problems between China and Vietnam
◆ William Howcroft: The Cambrian Limestone Aquifer in northern Australia: A new perspective on a vast yet understudied resource
◆ Zhi-Yuan Zhang: Stagnation and pseudo-stagnation lines for separating 3D groundwater flow systems in Tóthian basins
For more information, visit the conference’s website: https://iah2025congress.com/program/
Hope to see you there!
Online Tribute Honors the Life and Legacy of Dr. José Joel Carrillo Rivera
On June 30th, 2025, a heartfelt online tribute was held in memory of Dr. José Joel Carrillo Rivera, a distinguished hydrogeologist, dedicated professor, and inspiring colleague. Organized by the Institute of Geography (UNAM), the virtual event reflected the profound impact Dr. Carrillo Rivera had on generations of students, colleagues, and the international hydrogeological community.
On behalf of the Regional Groundwater Flow Commission (RGFC), Dr. Judit Mádl-Szőnyi offered words of remembrance, recalling their shared vision that led to the foundation of the RGFC within IAH at the Niagara Falls Congress in 2012. Since then, Joel served as co-chair from the beginning and remained a guiding force throughout the Commission’s development. His legacy lies not only in his scientific contributions but in his unwavering commitment to understanding and communicating the invisible dynamics of groundwater. He believed that only by understanding flow systems can we truly achieve sustainable groundwater management, especially for the benefit of vulnerable populations in developing regions. We will always remember him for the energy, clarity, and dedication that defined his life’s work.
The tribute closed with personal words from his daughter, Vivien Carrillo.
Menggui Jin, Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, José Joel Carrillo Rivera and József Tóth in Niagara Falls in 2012
In memory of Dr. José Joel Carrillo Rivera
It is with great sadness that we share the news with the hydrogeology community that our dear friend, Prof. Dr. José Joel Carrillo Rivera, one of the initiators and Co-Chair of the RGFC-IAH, passed away on October 3, 2024. Dr. Carrillo Rivera was a distinguished hydrogeologist with over 40 years of experience. His contributions to modern hydrogeology, particularly regarding Tóthian groundwater flow systems, have been invaluable. His work at the Institute of Geography at UNAM has advanced scientific understanding and has significantly impacted water management practices in Mexico and internationally.
Dr. José Joel Carrillo Rivera
The RGFC-IAH pays tribute to his memory with the attached memorial and short video.
UNAM’s obituary: https://lnkd.in/eaTHMvxC
Memorial: https://lnkd.in/eYfYAPUC
Short video: https://lnkd.in/eRvve7NW
The RGFC-IAH and colleagues worldwide will preserve and continue your valuable legacy.
RGFC session at IAH 2024, Davos, Switzerland
We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming IAH Congress in Davos, 9-13 September 2024. We would like to draw your attention to the session proposed by the Regional Groundwater Flow Commission (RGFC) of the IAH. The session intends to collect any basin-scale groundwater flow-related studies – wherein basin refers to the groundwater basin – in oral or poster form. We encourage anyone to submit an abstract to the submission platform by 29 February 2024.
The session title and details are:
Basin-scale groundwater flow, heat & mass transport processes – Looking beyond individual aquifers to address current hydrogeological challenges
Conveners: Etienne Bresciani, Hanneke Verweij, Xiao-Wei Jiang, Joel Carrillo Rivera, Szilvia Simon, Judit Mádl-Szőnyi
A regional, or basinal approach to groundwater flow and transport from recharge to discharge areas is required for effectively resolving resource issues such as freshwater and energy supplies. This approach contributes to all practical aspects of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for water. This session encourages contributions on regional groundwater flow and transport topics such as new approaches and methods in hydrogeologic characterization, advances in modelling techniques, and scenario analysis. The evaluation of uncertainty in predictions, new insights into coupled flow, heat, and/or mass transport systems at the basin scale, and discussions about the concept of regional groundwater flow systems and associated terminology are also welcome. Relevant fields of application include but are not limited to water and energy transition; offshore assessment of fresh groundwater discharge; mountain-block hydrogeology; interpretation of various tracers in groundwater (heat, hydrochemistry, and isotopes); and regional aspects of managed groundwater recharge. Presentations discussing the role of regional groundwater flow systems in the expected transition period due to climate change, intensive extraction, quality concerns, and ecosystem services also align with the session’s objectives. Regional groundwater governance, water conflicts, societal response, and the role of education and outreach will also be considered.
Please, share this information with your colleagues and anyone who might be interested! In case of any questions, feel free to contact us.
Hope to meet you in Davos!
Special Issue “Regional Groundwater Flow Concept and Its Potential for Interdisciplinary Application”
The Special Issue “Regional Groundwater Flow Concept and Its Potential for Interdisciplinary Application” is now completed and published.
The 2022 World Water Day slogan is “Groundwater: Making the invisible visible”, which can help visualise and understand the pattern of groundwater flow. There is a great need for a systematic basin-scale approach to reveal the regional relationships in groundwater. These can open new possibilities for scientists and professionals to understand the frontiers of hydrogeology with different disciplines. The main challenges are connected to climate change and the adjustment of flow systems to modified climate and the buffering capacity of the flow. Over the quantitative aspects, the qualitatives induced by pollution, especially emerging contaminants, are also challenging. Groundwater flow and quality will influence groundwater-dependent ecosystems and the future water supply. Groundwater flow patterns are also significant in exploring geothermal energy and controlling hydrocarbon migration. We await innovative papers on the topic, considering theoretical and practical aspects, regional studies and generalised conclusions.
The Regional Groundwater Flow Commission of the International Association of Hydrogeologists and the National Multidisciplinary Laboratory for Climate Change, RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00014 project initiated this Special Issue. The guest editors invited contributions from the EGU2023 General Assembly.
Guest Editors:
Dr. Judit Mádl-Szőnyi
Dr. Ádám Tóth
Please visit this website for more information: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/water/special_issues/H4I7230H76
Table of contents:
Tóth, Á.; Baják, P.; Szijártó, M.; Tiljander, M.; Korkka-Niemi, K.; Hendriksson, N.; Mádl-Szőnyi, J. Multimethodological Revisit of the Surface Water and Groundwater Interaction in the Balaton Highland – Implications for the Overlooked Groundwater Component of Lake Balaton, Hungary. Water 2023, 15(6), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15061006.
Baják, P.; Molnár, B.; Hegedűs-Csondor, K.; Tiljander, M.; Jobbágy, V.; Kohuth-Ötvös, V.; Izsák, B.; Vargha, M.; Horváth, Á.; Csipa, E.; Óvári, M.; Tóbi, C.; Völgyesi, P.; Pelczar, K.; Hult, M.; Erőss, A. Natural Radioactivity in Drinking Water in the Surroundings of a Metamorphic Outcrop in Hungary: The Hydrogeological Answer to Practical Problems. Water 2023, 15(9), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15091637.
Czauner, B.; Szabó, Z.; Márton, B.; Mádl-Szőnyi, J. Basin-Scale Hydraulic Evaluation of Groundwater Flow Controlled Biogenic Gas Migration and Accumulation in the Central Pannonian Basin. Water 2023, 15(18), 3272; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183272.
Hunt, M.; Marandi, A.; Retike, I. Water Balance Calculation for a Transboundary Aquifer System between Estonia and Latvia. Water 2023, 15(19), 3327; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15193327.
Männik, M.; Karro, E. Application of Modified DRASTIC Method for the Assessment and Validation of Confined Aquifer Vulnerability in Areas with Diverse Quaternary Deposits. Water 2023, 15(20), 3585; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203585.
Simon, S.; Déri-Takács, J.; Szijártó, M.; Szél, L.; Mádl-Szőnyi, J. Wetland Management in Recharge Regions of Regional Groundwater Flow Systems with Water Shortage, Nyírség Region, Hungary. Water 2023, 15(20), 3589; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203589.
