The impacts of rising groundwater at the coast

The jointly funded BGS and National Trust (NT) scoping project assessed the natural processes of rising groundwater levels and the associated potential impacts within the coastal zone of Great Britain. It aimed to enhance our ability to understand where and to what extent rising groundwater and changes in salinity could affect 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.

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 — 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. © National Trust.

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 executive summary pdf that provides an overview of the main findings and recommendations
The powerpoint presentation produced to aid dissemination of the report findings and enable communication with potential project collaborators and funding sources. (Also available in pdf format)
the project flyer outlining the basic needs and objectives of the project.

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

Our research

Sandstone coloured red with iron oxides, indicating a hot climate at the time of deposition.

Impacts of climate change

Temperature rises can affect agriculture, sea levels and the frequency of extreme weather incidents. We can study past climate change by looking at the evidence in rocks, fossils and changes in the landscape.