GWFlood

GWFlood is a groundwater flood monitoring and mapping programme aimed at addressing the knowledge gaps surrounding groundwater flooding in Ireland. The programme was initiated in response to the unprecedented groundwater floods of Winter 2015/2016 and is a collaborative effort combining the karst groundwater expertise of Geological Survey Ireland and Trinity College Dublin. The project is providing the data and analysis tools required by local and national authorities to make scientifically-informed decisions regarding groundwater flooding.

What is groundwater flooding?

Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table rises above the land surface. In Ireland it is mainly seen in the west of the country, where drainage is dominated by karst limestone groundwater flow systems.

Monitoring groundwater flooding

Information on how karst groundwater systems respond to rainfall is crucial for flood management, but is largely absent in Ireland. In response, we are setting up an extensive monitoring network to record water levels at key sites and provide long-term data on flooding.

Mapping groundwater flooding

The ability to describe and map how floods develop and recede accurately and at a large spatial scale is crucial for effective flood risk management. We are developing new methodologies for mapping groundwater floods using remote sensing techniques and preparing accurate groundwater flood hazard maps.