Groundwater—The Dynamic Base of the CZ
摘要
Chapter 5, by Sullivan et al, discusses the complexities of the interplay of groundwater and Critical Zone dynamics. Water—and especially groundwater—is one of the “pillars” of Critical Zone functioning. Groundwater, both in the saturated and unsaturated layers, controls the dynamics of many terrestrial ecosystems and it is crucial to humans as a primary source of freshwater. Here they explore how the structure of the CZ interacts with groundwater to regulate recharge, evapotranspiration, groundwater-surface water interactions, groundwater flow paths (even km deep), chemical weathering, interbasin groundwater flow, and finally coastal and submarine groundwater discharge dynamics. Altogether they provide a holistic understanding of how CZ processes and structure help to regulate one of Earth's most vital resources.