Section 5.3: Hydrogeology

Groundwater as a resource for mankind and as a good to be protected is the research topic in Section 5.3. We concentrate on investigating complex shallow and deep aquifers, the main sources of our drinking water. Groundwater, however, gets contaminated more and more by increased human activity or natural processes. This either diminishes its usefulness as a source for drinking water or even makes its use for such purpose impossible. Salinification is an additional threat to groundwater. As a new research topic, we investigate the question if the sequestration of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers deep underground poses additional risks to shallow groundwater sources.