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ADVANCING GROUNDWATER MONITORING THROUGH 3D THERMAL FIELD RECONSTRUCTION IN A COASTAL KARST SYSTEM

IWRA World Water Congress 2025 Marrakech Morocco
Groundwater Challenges and Oppotunities
Author(s): Fidelibus M.D., Alfio M.R., Mali M., Balacco G.
Presenter: Matilda Mali
Authors: Fidelibus M.D., Alfio M.R., Mali M., Balacco G.
Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Construction and Chemistry, Polytechnic of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, Bari, 70125, Italy

Poster: PDF

Abstract

The 3D thermal model provides a powerful tool for identifying recharge areas, faultcontrolled flow pathways, and zones of potential saltwater intrusion, improving the assessment of groundwater vulnerability and resource management in structurally complex coastal karst systems.

The thermal reconstruction reveals clear deviations from conductive geothermal gradients, providing direct evidence of active groundwater circulation and highlighting the role of temperature as a stable, large-scale hydrogeological tracer.

Groundwater temperature patterns improve the understanding of subsurface heterogeneity by indicating permeability contrasts, supporting the refinement of conceptual models and enhancing the reliability of future flow and transport simulations.