Faculty of Science Seminar Series 2023-2024

Abstract

A third of the world faces water insecurity, while freshwater resources in coastal regions are under enormous stress due to population growth, pollution, climate change and political conflicts. This talk introduces OFF-SOURCE, a COST network whose aim is to address whether and how offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) – groundwater stored in the sub-seafloor with a total dissolved solid concentration below that of seawater – can be used as an unconventional source of freshwater in coastal regions. Specifically, this COST Action will identify where OFG is found in waters of participating countries and in which volumes, delineate the most appropriate approaches to characterise OFG, identify the most cost-effective strategy to utilise this resource, and assess the environmental and legal challenges to sustainable OFG use.

Through an exploration of the geological and hydrological context, the talk discusses the unique characteristics and potential resources of this offshore freshwater reserve. Drawing from several cases studied around the world, the address emphasizes the need for international research synergy in studying OFG. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving hydrogeologists, geophysicists, engineers, and other relevant stakeholders, to comprehensively investigate the occurrence, dynamics, and sustainability of these valuable freshwater reserves.

The Speaker

Ariel T. Thomas is a geophysicist and science communicator conducting research on the occurrence of offshore freshened groundwater systems on continental shelves globally. He is a passionate globetrotter to facilitate networking for collaborative scientific research linked to responsible and sustainable development, particularly in water-stressed regions.

Note: For any information about this event, please contact the organiser, Prof. Noel Aquilina on email.