GWFlood

​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. ​

​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. ​

​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. ​