LAUSR

In Europe, karst aquifer systems represent important water sources for human activities due to the fact that 35% of its territory is comprised of carbonate deposits, which usually store abundant groundwater. Evaporite formations can also develop karst features through different chemical processes, however, they present distinct characteristics due to their high solubility and particularly elevated groundwater mineralization. In certain areas, karst groundwater constitutes the only available water source and up to 50% of water demands in some countries rely on extractions from karst formations. The typical presence of a complex set of fractures and cavities in karstified systems make the study of groundwater dynamics, contamination processes and water management very challenging. Detailed investigations to better understand karst aquifer systems and properly assess their water resources, therefore, are important for their management and protection. This book EuroKarst 2016, Neuchâtel: Advances in the Hydrogeology of Karst and Carbonate Reservoirs (Fig. 1) includes results of the latest investigations on karst hydrogeology that were presented at the 2016 EuroKarst Conference. Over 200 researchers from more than 20 countries in Europe and around the world reported on advances in the hydrogeology