In January 2025, the GeEAUde research team published the associated database, with a call for contributions from the international scientific community.
The aim of this unique database is to centralise the information available on coastal and submarine resurgences throughout the world, promote active exchanges between different disciplines (e.g. hydrogeology, coastal geomorphology, marine ecology, palaeoclimatology and archaeology) and facilitate access to data for researchers while sharing knowledge with the socio-economic world.
Understanding how coastal and submarine resurgences work will help in the sustainable management and protection of groundwater in coastal areas, which are increasingly vulnerable to environmental change.
Global dataset of nearshore and submarine springs
Houssne Bouimouass, André Fourno, Youri Hamon, Konstantinos Chalikakis
Abstract
Coastal springs, discharging fresh groundwater along continental margins, are vital yet understudied components of coastal hydrogeology. These springs are either inland discharging close to the shoreline (nearshore springs) or emerging directly on the sea floor (offshore or submarine springs). Coastal development, increased water demand, and pollution pose significant risks to these springs and their ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, coastal springs remain overlooked in landscape mapping. This knowledge gap is addressed in this article by creating a global inventory of known coastal springs using systematic bibliographic research and citation tracking from the SCOPUS database. A total of 1123 coastal springs were identified, with 57% being offshore. The Mediterranean region emerged as a hotspot, hosting 66% of the springs. 84% of the springs were found in carbonate rock aquifers, with a minority in volcanic and other consolidated rocks. Discharge and salinity data were largely unreported. The dataset offers detailed locations and characteristics of coastal springs, providing a valuable resource for researchers, water managers, and policymakers. It aims to enhance understanding of coastal springs’ hydrogeological functions and promote integrated water resource management. Scientific communities are invited to refine this global coastal spring dataset.
