Springs as sentinels of climate change and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems

Abstract - 

Springs are natural groundwater discharge areas emerging in many forms and are said to be windows into the Earth. They have associated unique dependent ecosystems and are sensitive indicators of global climate changes, landuse practices and variations in water quantity and quality. In addition, they often hold great socio-cultural significance playing a vital role as sentinels of sustainable development. The Water Framework and Groundwater Directives recognise their importance, but very little research has focused on springs’ aquatic ecosystems or their dependent species. Nor has there been a systematic effort to establish a standardized methodology for monitoring and comprehensive ecological status assessment resulting in [...]

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