The impacts of rising groundwater at the coast

A BGS and National Trust collaborative project assessing the natural processes of rising groundwater levels within the coastal zone of Great Britain and the associated impacts.

A view across the Marram and Sea-lyme sand dunes at Formby Point towards the shore line where the sea laps gently on the yellow sandy beach. Photograph © National Trust
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A view across the Marram and Sea-lyme sand dunes at Formby Point towards the shore line where the sea laps gently on the yellow sandy beach. Photograph © National Trust

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The jointly funded BGS and National Trust scoping project has assessed the natural processes of rising groundwater levels and the associated potential impacts within the coastal zone of Great Britain. Its aims were to enhance the ability to understand where, and to what extent, rising groundwater and changes in salinity could impact on NT coastal properties (built and natural), and to establish a collaborative partnership to undertake a future study on the impacts of rising groundwater at the coast. Stakeholder consultation throughout enabled a better understanding of current information, levels of user-knowledge and concerns, issues already identified on site, and future user requirements.The project identified the key factors and processes effecting changes in groundwater at the coast, assessed the potential impacts, proposed further research and strategic-scale dataset needs, and suggested a range of options for data access together with an outline plan for a follow-on project and funding options.

Further details can be found in:

The key points are summarised in the Executive Summary document above. The final project report is available to aid discussion with collaborators and identify funding opportunities. Please contact the Project Leads if you are interested in collaborating in the next steps of this innovative project

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