Hydrogeological Dynamics of Volcanic Island Aquifers
Summary
Volcanic islands are underpinned by intricately layered aquifer systems formed by successive lava flows, pyroclastic deposits and intrusive features such as dykes and sills. Recharge arises primarily from orographic rainfall, infiltrating through variably permeable volcanic strata to form perched aquifers and a basal freshwater lens that floats atop seawater. The geometry of the freshwater–saltwater interface and its resilience to extraction are governed by the heterogeneity of fracture networks, the distribution of low-permeability layers and regional hydraulic gradients. Coastal saltwater intrusion, driven by sea-level rise and intensive pumping, poses a persistent threat to groundwater security. Recent advances in geophysical imaging, hydrochemical tracers and three-dimensional numerical modelling are enhancing our ability to resolve subsurface architecture and flow dynamics, thereby informing sustainable management practices for water supply and ecosystem protection on islands worldwide.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Hydrogeological Dynamics of Volcanic Island Aquifers publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hydrogeological dynamics of volcanic island aquifers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Aquifer: A geological formation capable of storing and transmitting significant quantities of groundwater.
Saline interface: The transition zone between freshwater in an aquifer and underlying or adjacent seawater.
Volcanic dyke: A near-vertical intrusion of solidified magma that can impede or redirect groundwater flow.
Managed aquifer recharge (MAR): Intentional infiltration or injection of water to replenish groundwater resources.
Hydrostratigraphy: The study and mapping of subsurface layers based on their hydraulic properties.
References
- Dyke-impounded fresh groundwater resources in coastal and island volcanic aquifers: Learning from the Canary Islands (Spain). The Science of The Total Environment (2023).
- Proposed recharge of island aquifer by deep wells with regenerated water in Gran Canaria (Spain). Groundwater for Sustainable Development (2023).
- Sub-surface configuration in the northern part of Lembang groundwater basin recharge area. Applied Water Science (2023).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.