NEWS &information IAH - THE WORLDWIDE ORGANISATION Furthering the understanding, wise use and protection of groundwater resources throughout the world MAY 2012 GREEN LIGHT THIS ISSUE INCLUDES:

MEDIA FOCUS...... 2 GIVEN TO MEETING REPORTS...4, 22 MENTORING IAH NEWS...... 6 SCHEME WHYMAP RELEASE...... 9 In the second half of 2011 IAH organised a survey to gauge its members’ COMMISSIONS ETC...... 11 interest in the idea of a mentoring scheme. Thank you to all those who responded - it is clear from the number of replies and comments received CHAPTERS...... 14 that there is a potential demand. Full report and next steps on page 12. BOOK RELEASES...... 19 OUT OF PRINT CONGRESS NEWS...... 23 BOOKS LISTINGS, COPY AND As a service to the groundwater The IAH LinkedIn group has now ADVERTISING...... 24 community, IAH’s out of print grown to just under 700 members books have been made freely - almost 200 members joining available to download. since we were drafting the last See http://www.iah.org/ newsletter. So now the next publications_library_popup.asp. challenge. Can we make it to 1000 members by our congress, One title is missing. We have just in September? That would be secured a copy of “ a quarter of our current IAH of Karstic Terrains, Case Histories membership. (1984)” Burger and Dubertret. This will be scanned and uploaded Follow link on IAH’s home page to soon. Our thanks go to Geoff join the group. Wright in Ireland for helping us out.

INTERNATIONAL Keep up to date: visit our Contact us: email [email protected] ASSOCIATION OF website for the latest news with your news, views http://www.iah.org or questions HYDROGEOLOGISTS MAY 2012 1 MEDIA FOCUS A selection of groundwater features from around the world

“Water resources are under pressure in many parts of Europe, and it is getting worse” Europe needs to redouble efforts in using water more efficiently to avoid undermining its economy, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Inefficient water use impacts hard on the resources needed by ecosystems and people, both vital assets for European productivity and security. The report ‘Towards Efficient use of water resources in Europe’ makes the case for integrated water management, starting with better implementation of existing legislation. 19 March 2012, European Environment Agency http://www.eea.europa.eu/pressroom/newsreleases/europe-needs-to-use-water

China - “Bid to save water under the ground” Northeast China’s Liaoning province is poised to implement the most stringent regulations in its history to address the over-exploitation of groundwater. Liaoning provincial government announced that it will strengthen administration of groundwater use. These regulations are mainly focused on limiting the total use of groundwater and increasing water-use efficiency. By 2015, the province will shut down all of the region’s underground water projects except for those used in emergencies, according to a plan made by local authorities. A total of nearly 3,800 existing projects will be closed, which will prevent the extraction of more than 1.2 billion cubic meters of groundwater in the following years.

Official data show that Liaoning has had a shortage of water supply for long and its annual extraction of groundwater is greater than most Chinese provinces and has reached 6.74 billion cubic meters. The rapid depletion of groundwater has severe consequences, including saltwater intrusion and sinkholes. Take Dalian, a port city in the province, for example. Overuse of water has caused salt water to intrude into local groundwater, which has led to contamination of drinking water. Experts have yet to find a solution.

Liaoning is not the only place in China that suffers from groundwater over-exploitation. Early this January, the China Geological Environmental Monitoring Institute published a report saying groundwater over-exploitation and the subsequent decay are mainly responsible for geological dangers in eastern and central China.

But experts argue that enforcing these measures is rather hard, though leaders at various levels will be held accountable. “Local governments are asked to reduce water consumption and simultaneously develop their economies without further depleting the groundwater table. This is very challenging,” said Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, a non-governmental organization.

Experts suggest that follow-up work needs to be carried out to make the proposed measures more effective. “We cannot sacrifice the environment for money. But the government should do more work to help industries to adapt to the change rather than imposing rigid regulations,” said economics professor Shao Jianbing of Liaoning University. 2 February 2012, China Daily http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-02/02/content_14521857.htm

2 “UAE bans export of groundwater” “Peru’s cash crop, asparagus, is bleeding key region Abu Dhabi: The Ministerial Service Council has dry” banned the export of groundwater due to a decline Peru has recently become the world’s number one in its levels in the country. The move came upon a exporter of asparagus, sending the green vegetable recommendation from the Federal National Council to places in Europe and the United States. The boom (FNC) following a study carried out by the Ministry of there has pumped a lot of money into the economy, Environment and Water. The study shows a decline but it’s also pumped out a lot of water. in underground water and the depletion of water resources as a result of exports. “The agro-exporters starting from 1995 intensively were overdrafting the , pumping water up “Water more important to country than oil” and out,” said David Bayer, a local water activist who first came to Peru in 1964. He said the Peruvian Last year, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed government, with the support of the U.S. and the Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy World Bank, pushed asparagus cultivation for export. Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Companies were allowed to irrigate their crops with called for placing the issue of water scarcity at the top water pumped up from the aquifer, for only the cost of of the UAE’s national agenda. He recently said water is building and operating wells. Basically, they got free more important than oil in the UAE. This is a bold and water. “And they also took over the equivalent, in the clear signal that an economy based on oil is placing case of the Ica Valley, the equivalent of virtually 40 water at the top of its priorities. percent, 45 percent of the land,” Bayer said. 23 Feburary 2012, Gulf News 24 January 2012, PRI (Public Radio International) http://wwww.gulfnews.com http://www.pri.org

The inaugural HeadsUP! competition, founded by also Leonard Konikow’s (USGS, and IAH VP for North Peggy Weil and produced in collaboration with America) Global Groundwater Depletion Rates 1900- Visualising.org, challenged designers to visualise 2008. Combining 8 different methods of estimation, groundwater levels with the winning visualisation this data set presents the average rate of groundwater being displayed on Times Square 2, Thomson depletion for 50+ major water systems around the Reuters/NASDAQ digital signboards in Times Square, world. Estimated depletion rates are given in cubic New York. This was the first of a series of challenges kilometers / year, by decade from 1900 – 2008. The to be implemented across a range of physical and water systems included are , regions, and mobile media. regional summaries (including global totals).

The winning animation was designed and made Lenny tells us that he went up to New York for the by Richard Vijgen, aiming to show on one hand the initial display and attended a small reception hosted beauty and overwhelming complexity of the natural by Thompson-Reuters. “Lots of fun”. cycle of wet and dry seasons, and on the other hand to highlight the challenge of carefully managing our use To find out more go to http://headsuptimessquare. of groundwater. com, which has full background information and interviews. IAH plans to host the animation on its Data for the visualisation were obtained from NASA’s website; more news will follow soon. GRACE mission (provided by Jay Famiglietti) and

MAY 2012 3 Report by Shammy Puri, IAH Secretary General IAH AT MARSEILLE Re ections from the sixth World Water Forum

Since the Kyoto World Water Forum in 2003, where IAH exhibits, it all becomes more than a little daunting, had a truly large representation and made a mighty effort except for the strong hearted! With some early to highlight ‘groundwater’ in the gobal water agenda, planning, and ensuring that meeting appointments are we have seen a steady increase in the recognition of made with key people before the start of the Forum, this natural resource. With this recognition, the views of useful networking is possible with those with whom hydrogeologists are also being sought more than they IAH members would not normally meet. From this were in the past. Perhaps we as an Association can claim perspective, it is good to be present at these fora and to some credit for this? IAH representatives participated ensure that the voice of the professional hydrogeologist in the two subsequent Fora, in Mexico in 2006 and can be heard – particularly as there still remains Istanbul in 2009. The most recent, the Sixth World Water considerable misunderstanding and poor awareness of Forum (March 12 - 16 2012) was no exception and IAH the many facets of sound groundwater management. was involved in a number of sessions, some convened The overall impression of the Forum was that water directly by IAH and others in which members made and all aspects of water management are now major significant contributions. issues and governments must take due notice of this in Thus, IAH was directly involved in convening two their programmes and policies. What is also clear is that sessions: ‘Strengthening Cooperation for Sustainable & water links with practically all aspects of national and Peaceful Management of Transboundary Aquifers’ (with international relations. UNESCO) and ‘Global Groundwater Governance’ (with our GEF Project Partners, FAO, World Bank and UNESCO). The Sixth Water Forum ended with a Ministerial Other Sessions in which IAH were prominent included; Declaration that undertakes to address the many key ‘Groundwater: Can we put the ‘integrated’ into IWRM?’ water issues of the present and those of the future. ‘All for One and One for all - integrating surface and However such a declaration is not effective unless civil groundwater management practices for healthy water- society, professional bodies and NGO’s make sure that dependent ecosystems’ ‘Groundwater: Boom or Bust for they actively engage in dialogue with their own ministers. Agriculture (convened by FAO)’. In addition to these main In this connection, IAH with its many National Chapters is sessions, there were a large number of side events at in a good position to pursue the science of hydrogeology which IAH members were well represented: Groundwater and to integrate the results into water policy. These and Climate Change: Mediterranean Coastal Aquifers, efforts form part of the Forward Look programme that IGRAC and several others. IAH has set itself – both to be present in major global These global fora attract thousands of people and the fora and to provide support at the national level through overall number of sessions, discussions, meetings, and the efforts of our membership. We would be interested exhibitions is on a huge scale. The preparation and to hear of any direct follow ups from Marseille by IAH organisation starts more than two years in advance. members. Given the massive number of people, events and SHAMMY PURI

4 The Thematic Process : From Priorities to Targets source: http://www.worldwaterforum6.org WWF press release: Marseille, March 20th 2012 –The 6th World Water Forum was characterised by strong mobilisation of the international political community and of civil society so as to make the cause of water and sanitation move forward during more than 400 open sessions of which fty were major ones.

Participation (key gures) 15 heads of State, of governments and European Commissioners 173 represented countries 103 Ministers, Vice Ministers and Secretaries of State 170 national delegations and international organisations taking part in the Ministerial conference More than 750 elected of cials among which were 250 mayors and 250 parliamentarians More than 500 sponsored persons 3,500 NGOs and civil society representatives More than 2,600 children and youths

Highlights (key gures) Numerous high level sessions (Rio+20, Europe, Chad, Gaza, Niger etc.) 1 ministerial conference 12 ministerial roundtables 6 trialogs (debate between national, regional and local authorities) 2 days for the local and Regional authorities conference 10 high level panels 2 water debates 1 day and a half for the parliamentary conference 6 regional and transcontinental processes 1 commitments session

For full facts and gures go to http://www.worldwaterforum6.org

MAY 2012 5 FROM THE EXECUTIVE Latest updates following February meeting As is the custom, the IAH Executive met in February at UNESCO in . The long list of agenda items took up the whole of the two and half days (and much of the evening discussions too!). Some are related to the routine operation of the Association and its Executive and Secretariat but I have picked out a few that I think will be of broader interest to members. Progress with activities related to the Forward Look programme was reviewed. Many of our plans depend on an improved IAH website. This is not in doubt, but we need to take care to use our resources wisely and match our ambitions to our resources. Following discussions in Pretoria, the Executive agreed to proceed with the re-development of the IAH website, and at the time of writing a detailed design brief covering our requirements is being prepared for distribution to a small number of web design companies. We will continue to liaise with national chapters and our commissions and networks as this activity moves forward. The Executive met with our UNESCO hosts to review collaboration between IAH and

NEWS UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP). UNESCO has always welcomed and appreciated our support for groundwater activities in the IHP, one of the most recent and productive being the new IAH book on Groundwater and Climate describing the UNESCO- GRAPHIC case studies (see page 19 of this newsletter). We also discussed progress with the GEF groundwater governance project. Four IAH thematic papers have been drafted and reviewed and are currently being revised and improved. The main project activity during 2012 will be a series of workshops at which regional experiences of groundwater governance will be exchanged, further case studies

IAH presented and the needs for improved governance debated. The first is in Montevideo at the end of April and the second in Nairobi at the end of May. The Executive and Secretariat has been consulting with UNESCO and its local organising partners to try to ensure that groundwater professionals who are active in developing, managing and protecting groundwater are fully represented at each of the regional meetings. The Executive discussed the Forward Look objective of increasing the profiles of groundwater and of the Association at global level. Clearly we don’t have the resources to be everywhere we would like to be, but opportunities for IAH to be present at the major international meetings and events during 2012 were reviewed. We need to do more in this regard to consult with and harness the efforts of our members to increase our potential impact at such meetings, and we would like to hear from members who are likely to be attending the Rio + 20 meeting and Stockholm Water Week, for example. IAH activities at the World Water Forum are reported on page 4 of this newsletter. JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT

6 TWO PARTNERSHIPS SEALED COUNCIL ELECTIONS IAH has recently signed Memoranda of Understanding As election nominations are still open at the time of with IGRAC (the International Groundwater Assessment writing but will be closed by the time the newsletter is Centre based at Delft in the ) and with the distributed, there is nothing new to report this time. African Groundwater Network. We look forward to As previously reported, nominations will be announced working with both of these partners and we hope to to members at the end of May and election papers report on these developments in future newsletters. will be distributed by email and mail on 1 July. Postal As an immediate outcome of the latter, the Burdon voting will close on 1 September and electronic voting Fund is supporting an African Groundwater Network will be open until the day of the General Meeting, training course in Lusaka in April with course material whose precise timing during the congress (17 to 21 and by providing support for two or three participants to September) will be advised in due course. Electronic attend the course. voting will follow the same system used in 2004 JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT and 2008, details of which will be advised in a later newsletter and with the voting forms. MEMBERSHIP NEWS JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT The early signs for 2012 are that recruitment of new members is higher than a year ago. This is good news for the Association, and membership now stands at PLANET UNDER PRESSURE just above 4000 (this figure will drop again when our Membership Secretary removes the benefits of those IAH participated in the recent international conference who have not renewed). “Planet Under Pressure” in , contributing to the sessions on integrated water management. IAH was In recent years, IAH has experienced a membership represented by Secretary General Shammy Puri, Alan turnover of around 10%. Our prospects of growing MacDonald, chair of IAH’s Burdon Network and Richard as an Association are, therefore, greatly enhanced Taylor, chair of the Climate Change Commission. Their if as well as encouraging colleagues and fellow discussions in the panels stressed that aquifers provide groundwater professionals to join, we can reduce the the key buffer to forthcoming droughts and that good number each year who decide not to renew. We are land management and changes in practices are key embarked on a programme of improvements to the to ensuring that aquifer replenishment continues for benefits of IAH membership – a re-designed website, sustainable development. More information can be a mentoring scheme and other support for early career obtained from the conference web site, where the text professionals, re-activated scientific commissions, of the final Conference Declaration can also be seen. strengthened national chapters, better conferences and many components of our Forward Look. Now is Go to http://www.planetunderpressure2012.net/ really the time for you to join, renew or return to enjoy SHAMMY PURI, SECRETARY GENERAL these benefits and to play your part in strengthening OUR Association’s ability to speak for groundwater in the global arena. JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT

MAY 2012 7 Article courtesy of University of Saskatchewan and McGill University, Montreal HOLD THE SALT Coastal drinking water more vulnerable to water use than climate change

Human activity is likely [to be] a greater “Coastal aquifers are very vulnerable to threat to coastal groundwater used for increased water demand so we have real policy drinking water supplies than rising sea levels opportunities,” Gleeson says. “We can reduce from climate change, according to a study consumption of groundwater in coastal areas or conducted by geoscientists from the University manage groundwater use wisely.” of Saskatchewan and McGill University in It is estimated that one billion people world-wide Montreal. Grant Ferguson live in coastal areas, and many are dependent on Grant Ferguson from the U of S Department ground water. In Canada, about 25 per cent of people of Civil and Geological Engineering worked with Tom rely on groundwater, with some areas almost totally Gleeson from McGill’s Department of Civil Engineering to dependent on the resource. examine data from more than 1,400 coastal watersheds. The paper, “Vulnerability of coastal aquifers to What they found was that with the exception of very flat groundwater use and climate change,” was published coastal areas that can be inundated with sea water – rare online in Nature Climate Change (http://www.nature.com/ in North America – most coastal aquifers are relatively nclimate/index.html). The research was made possible unaffected by rising sea level. What does appear to affect in part through support from the Natural Sciences these aquifers is humans pumping water from wells for and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the drinking, domestic use and . Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). “The bulk of the research in recent years has focused Gleeson is a CIFAR Junior Fellow. on climate change effects on coastal groundwater but IAH members may well be aware that Grant Ferguson is increases in water demand could be more important,” president of the Canadian Chapter, and Tom Glesson is Ferguson says. “This is particularly true in growing also an active IAH member. coastal cities and towns where groundwater is often an important water supply.” We have a final comment from Grant Ferguson: “Much of the recent work on coastal aquifers has focused on Aquifers are geological formations such as sand or climate change impacts. I have no doubt that sea level gravel that are saturated with water, much like a sponge. rise will be an important issue in many areas. However Wells draw fresh water from these aquifers, which are the work that Tom Gleeson and I carried out indicates then recharged through surface water such as rain and that groundwater withdrawals will be more problematic melting snow. Coastal aquifers, however, are bordered in most cases. A review of existing seawater intrusion on one side by seawater that can start to migrate into the cases supported this idea. This is good news for the formation – and into wells – if too much fresh water is IAH and its members because this is somewhere that drawn out. Similarly, rising sea levels can cause seawater we can help. It is unlikely that the IAH and its members to enter into the formation. To date, only problems related can solve the climate change issue but we are certainly to pumping have been documented in Canada. capable of making a big contribution to understanding and managing groundwater in coastal areas.”

8 WHYMAP New global map of river and groundwater basins

A new map of “River and Groundwater Basins of the WHYMAP collects, compiles and collates groundwater- World” has been prepared to help water resource related information at continental and global scales policy makers and planners visualise, at the broad to aid global discussion of water issues by making scale and in general terms, the potential interaction underground water resources more visible. It aims between surface water systems and the underlying to raise awareness for this ‘hidden resource’ and groundwater resources for their conjunctive use. It help improve the often still weak understanding of aims to promote the fact that groundwater has to play the complexity of groundwater systems. To achieve an equal part in the management of water resources, this, WHYMAP synthesizes the very large amount of since aquifers are a major source for drinking water- hydrogeological mapping undertaken at regional and supply, agricultural irrigation and industrial production, national level. and are vital for sustaining the natural environment. ANDREA RICHTS AND WILLI STRUCKMEIER

The map, which was launched at the World Water Forum in Marseille, has been derived from the World- wide Hydrogeological Mapping and Assessment Programme (WHYMAP). This joint programme of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), CGMW (Commission for the Geological Map of the World), IAH, IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and BGR (Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Germany) was More information is available at www.whymap.org established in 1999 as a contribution to management and http://www.whymap.org/whymap/EN/Downloads/ of the earth’s water resources, especially Global_maps/globalmaps_node_en.html groundwater. The International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) and the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC) as well as other scientific organisations, universities and regional centres are contributing to the WHYMAP network.

MAY 2012 9 COMMISSIONS & NETWORKS

COMMISSION ON KARST HYDROGEOLOGY and papers are available and interested IAH members Nico Goldscheider tells us that a special issue of can find links in the full report on the annual reports Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) presenting page of our website. The MAR Commission also links “Advances in Karst Hydrogeology” has finally been with the American Groundwater Trust in its continuing published: programme to promote the science, technology and http://www.springerlink.com/content/1866-6280/65/8/ policy of Managed Aquifer Recharge, with presence at four USA conferences in 2011. Looking at their plans This special issue includes selected papers presented for 2012, major events coming up include activities at the “4th International Symposium on Karst” in planned at the Niagara Falls Congress and preparations Malaga, Spain in April 2010, which was also the official for ISMAR8 in Beijing, 15-19 October 2013. annual meeting of the Karst Commission. Nico thanks commission members Bartolomé Andreo (Guest Editor) Finally, based on requests at the IAH Congress in and Jim LaMoreaux (Editor in Chief of EES) for their Krakow and ISMAR7 in Abu Dhabi, Russell Martin and efforts and all commission members who contributed to Peter Dillon are developing a monograph on clogging this special issue as authors and/or reviewers. […This and its management in MAR infiltration systems and is the type of activity and commitment we need to make wells. This is a fundamental issue for the viability of our commissions successful!….Ed]. MAR and assembling information systematically should help resolve some of the uncertainty surrounding this topic. The publication will cover a matrix of topics and COMMISSION ON MANAGING AQUIFER RECHARGE types of information, including laboratory and field Having just received from Peter Dillon a comprehensive evidence and information from related fields and models annual report on the activities of the MAR commission, (See the item “publication on clogging” at www.iah.org/ we can update members on recent activities and recharge). Anyone wishing to contribute should contact future plans. Firstly, Ian Gale has concluded a long and Russell Martin [email protected] identifying successful career with the British Geological Survey the parts of the matrix to which they would like to and also stepped down as co-chair of the IAH MAR contribute. The responses will determine the scope of Commission since 2002. MAR colleagues and the the monograph, ideally to be released at ISMAR8, and a broader IAH membership would like to thank him for his meeting is planned for Niagara Falls to review drafts and hard work over this period, and wish him a contented to plan further work. retirement. Ian’s position has been taken up by Weiping Wang of the University of Jinan. EARLY CAREER HYDROGEOLOGISTS NETWORK The Commission has been very active in 2011, with A number of activities are being planned at Niagara conferences, workshops or sessions in many parts Falls. One highlight will be the poster session dedicated of the world. For many of these meetings, reports to showcasing Early Career Hydrogeologists, who 10 should receive excellent exposure and the opportunity NETWORK ON GROUNDWATER AND ECOSYSTEMS for feedback from the greater IAH community. Prizes The new IAH Network on Groundwater and for best posters will be awarded in the closing session Ecosystems will hold its first gathering during the of the Congress. Niagara Falls congress. The network’s objectives are Early in the week, there will be a social meeting. to improve understanding of the relationship between Interested early career hydrogeologists are also groundwater and ecological resources by promoting invited to join the annual meeting of ECHN and to get interdisciplinary research and exchange of ideas involved in current and future activities. For further through workshops, networking and the development information contact [email protected]. Join in of educational materials. The precise date and time with discussions via the network’s LinkedIn group - remains to be set, but interim co-chairs Joe Gurrieri see http://www.linkedin.com/groups?viewMembers= (email [email protected]) and Mike Wireman (email &gid=3717583&sik=1319444267870. [email protected]) invite all interested IAH members to this inaugural meeting. TIME CAPSULE PROJECT Latest news and future plans

The leaders of the IAH Time Capsule Project Philippe from the Canadian National Chapter of IAH, and Mary Renard and Craig Simmons prepared a report for the Anderson. Suitable interviewers for all of these have February Executive, from which this short summary been invited and accepted. It is planned to tape part is taken. During 2011, interviewing of Ghislain of the material for Jean Margat during a field visit he de Marsily was completed. The material is being will lead in April to the Tafilalt Valley area in southern prepared for publishing, together with a recording Morocco where he started his career. of a presentation given by Ghislain at Neuchâtel in Visits to the Time Capsule website were up from 3600 November 2011. Two proposed interviews did not in 2010 to 4700 in 2012, with the Theis interview take place; John Bredehoft declined to be interviewed being the most in demand. The Time Capsule site is and it has not yet been possible to find a suitable well linked to others, including the Wikipedia page on person to interview Emilio Custodio, although this is hydrogeology and several hydrogeology courses [we being pursued. could learn from this – Ed]. IAH funds will continue In 2012, plans are going ahead to interview Alan to support the Time Capsule project during 2012 as Freeze with some support from the Sandia National part of our continuing efforts to meet the Association’s Laboratories, Gedeon Dagan with support from the educational objectives. You are urged to take a look Technion Institute for Technology, Jean Margat with via the IAH website or at http://timecapsule.ecodev.ch. the support of BRGM, John Cherry with some support PHILIPPE RENARD AND CRAIG SIMMONS

MAY 2012 11 IAH MENTORING SCHEME Survey results con rm member interest

Responding to the views expressed during the Forward SCOPE OF IAH MENTORING Look questionnaire and review meeting at Reading, Having confirmed both the desire for a mentoring and subsequently endorsed by the Early Career scheme and the willingness of members to participate, Hydrogeologists Network and the recent on-line survey, the Association needs to think carefully about the scope IAH has decided to establish a mentoring scheme for its of such a scheme. This means a) the subject areas and members. content to be included in the mentoring, and b) the ways in We are of course aware that this is a completely new which support could be provided. We don’t want to raise venture for IAH, and not to be embarked on lightly. The false expectations and may need to start in a rather modest process will require care from the IAH Executive and way. It is not envisaged that IAH has either the mandate or Secretariat to manage the scheme and dedication from the resources to provide the level of individual mentoring those of our members who will become mentors. usually required in relation to achieving Chartered Engineer or equivalent status. Other, usually national, professional SURVEY RESULTS POSITIVE associations or institutions have that mandate and the Following discussions at Council and Executive in Pretoria, formal mentoring structures which are needed to go with a simple on-line survey was set up to establish the level it. of member interest in actually taking part in a mentoring scheme, as opposed to just thinking that it would generally However, IAH could provide support to its members in be “a good thing”. We are happy to report that 147 three important areas which can be summarised as: members and 10 non-members responded to the survey. • the scientific - providing advice and technical Of those, 27% would potentially be interested in being knowledge on various topics within the many strands a mentor or provider of advice and support, 34% would of hydrogeological science; like to receive such support and 36% could envisage • career options and pathways – providing guidance on themselves as both recipients and givers. Responses job types and locations, CVs, interviews, networking, were more or less equally supportive of panels of experts, courses and training openings; web discussions and one-to-one mentoring as possible • practical experience – case studies, local mechanisms to provide mentoring. There were also many hydrogeological knowledge of specific regions useful individual comments for us to consider. or aquifer types, volunteering to undertake short assignments. It is envisaged that potential mentors will be able to indicate for which of these areas they would be willing to provide mentoring advice.

12 MECHANISMS FOR MENTORING NEXT STEPS One major consideration is to establish the most The on-line survey results were positively received by suitable mechanisms by which mentoring could be the IAH Executive Committee at its meeting in Paris provided. These could include web-based discussion on 16-18 February. It was agreed that IAH should fora of the type that the IAH LinkedIn group has already proceed to further investigate the development of a established; side meetings, sessions or discussions at mentoring scheme by looking at those used by other IAH’s international congresses or national meetings; similar associations and by determining the extent establishment of teams or panels of potential mentors; to which separate database provisions are required, direct one-to-one mentoring; the provision via the and to further define the potential mentoring themes website of general articles and case studies; short and mechanisms mentioned above. Budget provision assignments (perhaps in association with other has been approved for 2012 to get this underway. An organisations) to provide knowledge and experience initial sign-up procedure for mentors has been set up in field situations. The willingness and preference of via Survey Monkey at https://www.surveymonkey. both potential mentors and mentees for each of these com/s/H3XNTFY. This will be open to members until possible routes for provision of support needs to be the middle of July. After that, the intention is to invite established and the options tested. new mentors to sign up with each annual membership We will also need to develop some simple Terms and renewal round; although existing participants will be Conditions or Guidance for the mentoring scheme able to withdraw at any time. Individuals should be to cover such issues as the personal rather than able to join at any time of the year to receive advice. institutional nature of the specific advice, care with As mentioned at the beginning of this article, we are regard to endorsement of specific products or courses, aware that this is a big step for the Association, but we maintaining confidentiality and not abusing trust. believe this is clearly in line with the changing needs of our members. We hope that you will feel able to support this venture, and look forward to your active participation as both givers and recipients of this support.

Register your interest now Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H3XNTFY

MAY 2012 13 Italy New committee and initiatives announced

NEWS From February this year the Italian IAH Chapter has a new committee comprising Marco Petitta (Chair), Daniela Ducci (Secretary), Fulvio Celico, Paolo Fabbri, Dolores Fidelibus, Alessandro Gargini, Marco Masetti, Vincenzo Piscopo, Maurizio Polemio, Viviana Re and Past Chair Giovanni Barrocu. Advising us of the changes, Marco Petitta has informed us that the first task of the new committee will be to focus on increasing the number of Italian members of IAH. Sharon confirms that she is noticing an increase in new members from Italy, and membership is up from 73 in 2011 to 100 at the time of writing at the end of March 2012 (see also page 21).

The new committee is organizing a conference with international speakers - Flowpath 2012, which will be held in Bologna on June 20-22 and is working on the launch of a new national web site in the next few months. Other objectives identified by the Chapter are to increase participation in IAH Commissions and Networks and initiatives to promote IAH at the national level. A substantial delegation of the Italian Chapter will be present at the Niagara Falls Congress where Marco says they hope to meet members of other countries to start collaboration for promoting IAH activities.

Executive Manager John Chilton was lucky to meet Marco at the recent European Commission WFD Working Group C meeting in Brussels, and the Secretariat will continue to support the new Italian committee in its efforts to promote IAH and to strengthen the Association in Italy.

MARCO PETITTA, ITALY, AND IAH SECRETARIAT CHAPTER 14 Sweden Inaugural Meeting of IAH Swedish Chapter

In cooperation with the Swedish Hydrological Council (SHR)’s annual “Hydrologidagarna” scientific conference, the new Swedish Chapter of IAH held its founding meeting in Norrköping on 14th March. Previously, an informal meeting during the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU)’s “Grundvattendagar” meeting on the 14th November 2011 had established that there was sufficient interest to proceed with the founding of an IAH chapter in Sweden (as reported in the last newsletter). An email survey established that “Hydrologidagarna” would be the most appropriate venue for this first meeting.

Thirteen hydrogeologists from all regions of Sweden and from both academia and industry attended the meeting (as seen in the photo above). A committee was voted in, consisting of Niklas Blomqvist (secretary); Malva Abugor-Ahlkrona; Cecilia Jansson and Jeffrey Lewis as chairman. A draft constitution is being translated into Swedish for ratification at the next meeting, which is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Geological Survey of Sweden’s GeoArena scientific conference on 16-17 October in Uppsala.

In reporting the start up of the Chapter, Jeffrey says the meeting agreed that their objectives should include acting as a voice for hydrogeology and groundwater issues in various Swedish fora, promoting, networking and professional development of hydrogeologists working in Sweden, organizing at least one conference or meeting each year, promoting hydrogeology at university and technical high school level and promoting itself and the profession through various venues such as “job fairs” at universities. He says the new chapter looks forward to working together with the broader IAH community and for our part we wish them well and look forward to continuing to support their development. JEFF LEWIS, SWEDEN, AND IAH SECRETARIAT

MAY 2012 15 France Chapter meets in Cassis

As part of the national programme of events associated with the World Water Forum in Marseille, the French National Chapter of IAH organized a two day meeting in nearby Cassis on 15-17 March. 160 participants from Spain, Portugal, Crête, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco After the technical sessions, a full day field trip by boat as well as France enjoyed 40 oral presentations and was organized to the Calanques of Cassis to observe the 15 posters in four sessions with an emphasis on littoral geology and hydrogeology of the creeks and the cliffs aquifers and the peri-mediterranean karst, and with a of Soubeyrannes, the karstic springs of Port Miou and special session on isotopic hydrochemistry in homage to Bestouan: investigations of the hydrodynamics of saline Gian Maria Zuppi. intrusion, and the dam of Verne and its construction and The colloquium presented the state of knowledge about management, and last but certainly not least, a tasting of the functioning, methods of studies and protection and the wine of Bandol! management of littoral aquifers, with examples from LAURENCE CHERY, FRANCE France and the French overseas departments, as well as the countries of the Mediterranean Arc. At the end of the meeting, a round table presented some conclusions related to the “solutions” theme of the World Water Forum. Great Britain Thus, it is important from the beginning to characterize New committee officers both the structure and functioning of coastal aquifers. Where there are problems of salinity, it is essential to make The British National Chapter also has several new the distinction between inherited salinity depending on committee members, including a new chair Mike Rivett of the depositional history and entrapment of ancient marine Birmingham University, new secretary Harriet Carlyle of water on the one hand and saline intrusion resulting from Grontmij and treasurer in Richard Boak. The Secretariat groundwater abstraction pumping because the methods will be working closely with the new committee to promote of dealing with them are not the same. It is also important IAH and to encourage membership renewal. Following to develop monitoring programmes and networks which their first meeting at the end of March, the new committee can provide warning of problems for the management of has agreed to increase its financial support for sponsored groundwater resources. For the study of coastal karstic IAH members from eight to ten, and we are very grateful aquifers, the geological context is key and the importance for this commitment. The number of sponsored members of setting local salinity problems in their overall context has risen to almost 250 and, as we would like to keep was emphasized. There is often a need for a multi- this momentum going, other national groups are urged disciplinary approach to take account of biodiversity, to consider whether they have the capacity to support wetlands, and the socio-economic context of the use of additional sponsored members. groundwater in coastal regions. JOHN CHILTON

16 Article courtesy of Craig Simmons and Emily Heylen, NCGRT AUSTRALIA The Australian National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) has ‘established itself as a world-class centre for groundwater research’ according to a panel of international groundwater experts

The NCGRT’s International treasure’, capitalising Scientific Advisory on the availability of Committee, which international experts for comprises members comment. from France, Canada and The media response the US, met in January was positive and strong, to review the centre’s with articles running progress since it was in the major daily established in 2009. In newspapers and on the drafting a report, the evening news. This will NCGRT’s International Scientific Advisory Committee (recognise some faces?...) committee said that ‘the pave the way for further creation of the centre has public engagement highlighting groundwater issues, now put Australia on the international map, and the which will in itself help to cement the centre’s role as centre’s first research results are starting to be known Australia’s peak groundwater research body, and aid internationally. The productivity measured in terms of in technology transfer. publications, training and the advancement of science Outreach is an important part of the NCGRT’s role, has been exceptional’. and the centre has had a positive start to 2012 by Professor Craig Simmons, director of the NCGRT, utilising the media to raise the profile of groundwater said he was thrilled with the positive response. in the public consciousness, and by being proactive in ‘It’s extremely pleasing that such a distinguished, positioning itself as a conduit for informed, research- respected group of groundwater pioneers have placed based, public science communication. the centre and its researchers in such high regard,’ he For further information about the centre, go to : said. http://www.groundwater.com.au/ Now in its third year, the NCGRT is working hard at Ed: a number of press releases were particularly getting a range of important groundwater messages successful in achieving media attention and IAH out to the Australian and international public. members may be interested in viewing them. See Coinciding with the International Scientific Advisory two examples at http://www.groundwater.com.au/ Committee’s meeting, the centre released a series newsitem.php?nid=8 and http://www.groundwater. of high-impact press releases designed to introduce com.au/newsitem.php?nid=9 the media to groundwater as ‘Australia’s buried

MAY 2012 17 Order online at www.crcpress.com and enter Promo Code BQL40 at checkout to SAVE 20% off your entire order. Standard Shipping is always FREE.

18 IAH BOOKS - 60% DISCOUNT TO MEMBERS Climate Change Effects on Groundwater Resources: A Global Synthesis of Findings and Recommendations Edited by Holger Treidel, Jose Luis to global changes is a complex function that Martin-Bordes and Jason J. Gurdak depends on climate change and variability, aquifer characteristics, vegetation Climate change is expected to modify dynamics, and human activities. the hydrological cycle and affect freshwater resources. Groundwater This volume contains case studies is a critical source of fresh drinking from diverse aquifer systems, scientific water for almost half of the world’s methods, and climatic settings that have population and also supplies irrigated been conducted in the UNESCO-IHP agriculture. Groundwater is also GRAPHIC project. This book presents a important in sustaining streams, lakes, synthesis of scientific findings from the wetlands, and associated ecosystems. case studies and policy recommendations Despite this, knowledge of the impact for scientists, water managers and of climate change on groundwater quantity and quality policy makers towards adaptive management of is limited. groundwater under future climate change. Direct impacts of climate change on natural processes December 2011: 234 x 156: 352pp may be exacerbated by human activities (indirect Hb: 978-0-415-68936-6: £82.00 $129.95 (full impacts). Climate change effects on groundwater price, 60% discount applies to IAH members) resources are, therefore, closely linked to other For more information and order form see IAH website global change drivers, including population growth, or email [email protected] urbanization and land-use change, coupled with socio- economic and political trends. Groundwater response

HISTORY OF HYDROGEOLOGY

‘…one that everybody involved in groundwater will Submission of chapters for the History of want to read’ Hydrogeology was slow and the project was held The long-awaited IAH book History of Hydrogeology is back by the need to obtain contributions from now in production and will be available later this year. countries that were important to the evolution of First discussed at the Cape Town Congress in 2000, the science of hydrogeology. Nicholas Howden the project started in 2001 when three options were (UK) joined the project some years ago and a major drawn up for discussion. These were a volume on effort was made to push the preparation of the book the prehistory of hydrogeology, a volume on regional forward. Other factors conspired to delay the work, and country based hydrogeological developments and but despite the problems the book is now in its final a book of highlights from around the world. It was stages. There are 21 chapters covering a large part agreed that a book of country and regional chapters be of the globe and the story contained in the book is prepared while a second book on prehistory was also one which everybody involved in groundwater will sanctioned. The prehistory volume is being prepared by want to read. The book will become an invaluable Past President Michael Knight, Australia, although this reference source for those wanting to site historical project is no longer under the auspices of IAH. context. Full details will be announced soon. NICK ROBINS

MAY 2012 19 NEW MEMBERS A warm welcome to the following new members who joined our Association in the period 29 October 2011 - 29 February 2012:

AUSTRALIA Mr Michael Short Mr Filippo Resente Astrid Harjung Mr Chris LI Mr Edmond Donohue Mr. Jason Cole Prof Philipp Blum Dr Dong Mei Wang Mr Jonathan P Hanna Dr Abdessadek Chtaini Dr. Fabien Magri Brendon Boyce Mr Andrew Maughan Dr. K. Udo Weyer Ms Raíssa Pedreira Dr Garry Davidson Mr Michael J Thorley Joseph Verschuuren Mr Florian Schleusener Mr Marc Salmon Miss Aline Barrabes Mr Marc-Andre Lavigne Thorsten Hoeffler Matthew Carter Mr Jackson Rolland Carr Tibor Lengyel Michael Kauselmann Mr Anthony Cussins Ms Nicola Fry Mr. Andrew Bingeman rarecompanyAG Simon Anthony Fulton Mr John Martin Hemson Mr. Michael De Luca Lena Schneider Mr Neal Geddes Mr David A Johnson Dr Massimo Marchesi Mr Jaime Rivera Dr John Kozuskanich Mr Stewart Alexander Mr Allan Lundorf CHILE GHANA Mrs Genine Karen Meredith AUSTRIA Mr Pablo Casanova Mr Abdul Fatawu Mr Gilles Minni Mr Thomas Strauhal Mr Rodrigo Quinteros Francis Buah Nina Pearse Hawkins Dr. Vilmos Vasvári Dr Philip K Darko Ms Elizabeth Risby COLOMBIA Mr Camilo Florez Mrs Vivien E Rudorfer BELGIUM GREECE Mr. Steve Pinette Piotr Rzepecki Ms Maria Dimopoulou Claire Derouanne FINLAND Mr David Staggs Ms Triantafylllia Samara Frédéric Dossin Mr Antti Pakarinen Ms Suzie Strong Mr Ioannis Delakouridis Mr Dionysios Gkoutis Mr Stephan Suter BOTSWANA FRANCE Mr Etienne Heissat Mr Nathan Stewart Tetlaw Mr Max Karen Ms Evangelia Kotsi Olivier Beon Mr Kevin Harry Vermaak Mr Andreas Tsokos CAMEROON Roger Cojean Mr Maxwell Francis Winders Ms Aikaterini-Sofia Partsomevelou Bathermy Tsafack Tagny Christophe Emblanch Mrs Helene Wipf-Grant Dr. Ariadne Argyraki Jacques Delay Iwona Buczek CANADA Anouck Ferroud Kittiya Bushaway Marc-Andre Carrier GUATEMALA Lise Cary AQUACORP Nick Cartwright Charles Dourado Mr Abel Henriot Mynor Galdamez Carlos Descourvieres Geoff Eichhorn Caroline Waaijer Dany Lopez Joanna Ellis Frederic Guerin M Julien Kirmaier Fernando Samayoa Anthony Feigl Robert Hillier Alexandra Laurent Robert Schutt James Hansen Kathryn Lindsay Xavier Marly Rob MacCracken Alicia Moreno Dr Egide Nzojibwami HONDURAS Don McFarlane GERMANY Mr Cesar Morales Sarah McNab Dr David Rudolph Ms Maike Groeschke John Rayner Daniel Soucy Stephan Schulz HUNGARY Margit Virag Valerie Roy Mr Don Thompson Laura Scherer Tamas Buday Rodney Whitwell Mr Kevin Warner Ferdinand Flechtner Dr Ferenc Székely 20 INDIA Dr Emma Petrella Miss Ying Zhang USA Mr Manu Nagendra Dv Dr Francesca Lotti Mr Guizhang Zhao Mr. Charles Thibault Dr Syed Zaheer Hasan Dr Luisa Stellato Mrs Jing Zhao Mr Joshua Godwin Mr Venkata Ramamohan Dr Gianpiero Amanzio Emily Berquist Ramachandrula Eng. Mariangela Sellerino RUSSIA Dr. Allison Aldous Prof Elango Lakshmanan Dr. Leyla Abukova Dr Maureen Muldoon Mr. Ilayaraja Kumba Krishnamurthy JAPAN Ms. Olga Abramova Mr. John Mundell Dr. Rajib Bhattacharjya Prof Makoto Tanguchi Dr Gleb Batrak Dr Timothy Richard Green Seema Negi Dr Atsunao Marui Prof Irina Galitskaya Wendy Robertson Dr. Murari Varma Prof Tomochika Tokunaga Dr Mary Hill SAUDI ARABIA Mr William Schmahl IRAN KENYA Ms Jing Li Julia Mechler Mr Nima Tavakoli Shirazi Mary Makokha Dr. Haichao George Yu Dr Thomas Burbey Dr Azizallah Izady Dr Dimitri Vlassopoulos MEXICO SLOVENIA Dr. James Connors IRELAND Miguel Jose Villasuso Pino Jure Hocevar Ms. Edel Charles Christian McGrath Dr John Gates Mr. Padraig Kelly NAMIBIA SOUTH AFRICA Ms Yvonne O’Connell Mr Otto Jansen van Vuuren Andrew Mavurayi Rory Cowie Ms Monika Kabza Adaora Okonkwo Tripathi Ganesh Damian Howard NEW ZEALAND Dr Eddie Van Wyk Laura Hanna Mr John Paul Moore Mr Simon Metcalf Miss Nicolette Vermaak Maria Gibson Mr Patrick Morrissey Mrs Rebecca Morris Quinton Bruwer Professor John J. Walsh Kathleen Crisley Mr Shuaib Dustay UNITED KINGDOM Dr Zuansi Cai Environment Canterbury Mlamleli Kolosa Mr James Lane David Poulsen Mr Ross Sephton Miss Johanna Neary Dr Eyal Shalev Nicola Wilson Gabriel Van Dyk Mr Robert Nagy Moipone Precious Mokoena ITALY NIGERIA Mr Lawrence Houlden Obebe Omoniyi Mr Peter Nyabeze Dr Giorgio Pilla Miss Alison Orr Dr Flavia Ferranti Miss Bryony Anderson SPAIN Dr Lorenz San Nicolo NORWAY Mr Morten Slinde Antoni Freixes Perich Mr Daniel Glazier Ms Pamela Teoli Astri Søland Pere Verger Cortés Mr Mahmoud Jaweesh Dr Stefania Vitale Dr Claus Kohfahl Ms Renata Vodnickyte Dr Iacopo Borsi PORTUGAL Mr Amir Levy Dr Loretta Gnavi Dr José Teixeira SRI LANKA Mark Fermor Dr Glenda Taddia Mr Nihal Nandana Kumara Mr Michael Jones Liyanagamage Dr Daniela Valigi CHINA Mr Paul Hulme Dr Rosario Ruggieri Dr Rui Ma Jason D Fairbairn Ms Chiara Sbarbati Dr Hailong Li TAIWAN Dr. Po-Yi Chou Eva Pacioni Mr Guanxing Huang ZAMBIA Dr Alessandro Pontin Dr Zhiping Li Ms Andrea Nick TUNISIA Dr Doredana Cascone Mr Jingtao Liu Amira Mekni Dr Tiziana Baldoni Dr Junjian Liu ZIMBABWE Mr. Arjen Oord Barbara Parisse Dr Jihong Qu TURKEY Dr. Özlem Öztekin Okan Dr Alessio Iacobini Mrs Jincui Wang Dr. Sebnem Arslan Dr Francesco Ronchetti Dr Furong Yu

MAY 2012 21 Conference report IAH AT HANNOVER ARID ZONE HYDROGEOLOGY HIGHLIGHTED AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Organised by the Hydrogeology Section of the German groundwater systems, groundwater balances and Geological Society (FH-DGG), the Federal Institute for artificially enhancing groundwater recharge. The Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and the programme allowed good time for discussion and in Technical University of Darmstadt, this conference particular there was a view that in many cases the took place at the offices of BGR in Hannover on 14 – 17 required management actions are already obvious and March 2012. more science is not needed. The counter argument

The 180 participants were predominantly groundwater was put forward that better scientific knowledge of scientists from Germany working in arid zones, students water resources may be needed to help select optimum from arid regions presently studying in Germany and management actions and/or to optimise a selected hydrogeologists from the Middle East and North Africa. action in hydrogeological terms. Those present heard two and a half days of excellent Overall, it was an excellent conference, and invited keynote and associated plenary presentations congratulations to the organisers. The participant and had plenty of opportunity to see the extensive limit of 200 set by the size of the BGR conference hall display of posters and a small technical exhibition. The was reached well before the date of the meeting, and meeting was supported by IAH amongst others, and registration was closed. All of the speakers were able to the Executive had decided at its meeting in February attend.

that we should take this opportunity to promote the This meeting was a reminder that conferences with Association. a smaller number of participants on a more closely So, what is happening in arid zone hydrogeology? focused theme can attract good quality material and There was considerable focus in the opening sessions debate. Such conferences should have a place in our on improved management of the limited groundwater schedule from time to time, along with the traditional resources of arid zones, including examples of IAH congresses. better demand management and the use of artificial JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT recharge. From a scientific point of view, the dominant theme as judged by the number of presentations remains that of assessing the amount and variability of groundwater recharge in arid regions by a range of techniques, followed by large scale modelling of

22 CONGRESS NEWS 2012: Update from Niagara Falls, Canada

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO CALL FOR Moreover, in addition to the mid- ABSTRACTS Congress tours included in the full The number of abstracts received for delegate registration packages, a the 2012 IAH Congress in Niagara Falls, number of pre- and post-Congress Canada has surpassed all expectations, field trips are being organized. The with submissions from more than 60 pre- and post-Congress field trips countries. These are now being reviewed. travel to locations both within and outside Ontario and include Canada’s CONGRESS PROGRAMME oil sands, the karst hydrogeology A number of short courses will be held on Sunday, of the Niagara Escarpment, Waterloo Moraine, St. September 16. The course descriptions are on the Lawrence Lowlands, and the Sudbury Basin to name website at www.iah2012.org/short_courses.php and a few. Again, visit the website for more information include topics such as: pumping test interpretation; at www.iah2012.org/technical_tours.php. Be sure to isotope tracers; field methods; modelling register and book your accommodation soon for the development; drilling technologies; and more. Space 39th IAH Congress which takes place from 16 - 21 is limited so please book early! September 2012. CANADA 2012 ORGANISING COMMITTEE 2012 congress website:http://www.iah2012.org/

2013: Perth, Australia 2014: Morocco confirmed

Preparations are in hand for IAH’s 40th Congress in Our colleagues in the Moroccan National Chapter are Perth Australia which will take place from 15 to 20 pleased to announce that they will host the 2014 IAH September 2013. The congress will be held at the congress. The congress will take place in Marrakech Perth Convention Centre with the overall theme of from 15-19 September with the overall theme; “Solving the Groundwater Challenges of the 21st “Groundwater: Challenges and Strategies”. Principal Century”. IAH Executive member Ken Howard visited partners will be the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and in November 2011 to meet the local organising Water and Environment and the Institut International committee and to review progress. Preparations de L’eau et de l’Assainissement. are at a fairly early stage, but the Convention Centre We are grateful to our Moroccan colleagues, and will will be an excellent venue and the Perth area, which be working with them over the coming months to is highly dependent on groundwater, will provide develop an exciting congress programme. Watch the for excellent field trips. Indications are that in the IAH website and newsletter for further news. current vibrant economy of Australia, early promises of substantial commercial sponsorship are likely to be JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT fulfilled. In the meantime, watch the IAH website and newsletter as the preparations develop. JOHN CHILTON, SECRETARIAT

MAY 2012 23 2012 21-24 May: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC. GwFR 2012 - International Conference on Groundwater in Fractured Rocks. Organised by IAH Czech Chapter, IAH HyRoC, ICGW of IAHS. http://web.natur.cuni.cz/gwfr2012/

28 May - 2 June: Ohrid, REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA. BALWOIS 2012 on Water, Climate and Environment. http://www.balwois.com/2012

17-21 June: Buzios, BRAZIL. SWIM 2012 (Salt Water Intrusion Meeting). Email: [email protected]

17-23 June: Albena, BULGARIA. 12th International Multidisciplinary Scienti c Geo-Conference and Expo - SGEM 2012 (Surveying Geology & mining Ecology Management). http://www.sgem.org

20-22 June: Bologna, ITALY. Flowpath 2012. Hydrogeology Pathways Conference 1. Organised by Earth and Geo- Environmental Sciences Department of Bologna University “Alma Mater Studiorum”. Email: [email protected] (abstracts and registration) or [email protected] (accommodation and tourist information).

25 June: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA. Country Policies and Developments of Water for Bio-Energy and Food. Organised by ICID. http://online.saneevent.com.au/ial2012

9-12 July: Paris, FRANCE. Groundwater Vulnerability - Emerging Issues and New Approaches. IMVUL network conference. http://www.sisyphe.upmc.fr/imvul LISTINGS

13-15 August: Oulu, FINLAND. The XXVII Nordic Hydrological Conference - Nordic Water 2012. http://nhc2012.oulu. /index.html

14-16 August: Zhengzhou, CHINA. 2nd International confernce on Water Resources Management and Engineering (ICWRME2012). http://www.icwrme.org/

20-24 August: Cartagena de Indias, COLOMBIA. 12th Latin American Hydrogeological Congress. http://www.asociacioncolombianadehidrogeologos.org/congreso/

2-7 September: Berlin, GERMANY. 3rd International FEFLOW User Conference (FEFLOW 2012). Organised by DHI-WASY. http://www.fe ow.com/fe ow2012

16-21 September: Busan, SOUTH KOREA. IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition. Organised by International Water Association (IWA). ttp://www.iwa2012busan.org/

16-23 September: Niagara Falls, CANADA. Confronting Global Change. 39th IAH Congress. Organised by IAH Canada. http://www.iah2012.org/

24-27 September: , AUSTRIA. HydroPredict’2012. International Interdisciplinary Conference on Predictions for , Ecology, and Water Resources: Water Resources and Changing Global Environment. Organised by University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna, International Commission on Groundwater (ICGW) of International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), and Charles University Prague. http://web.natur.cuni.cz/hydropredict2012/ For a fuller list of conferences and more details, including links to websites visit www.iah.org/confs/ We are happy to accept information concerning upcoming groundwater events from organisers email [email protected] CONFERENCE with full details. ADVERTISING AND COPY INFORMATION IAH News and Information is published 3 times a year and distributed as an insert in Hydrogeology Journal. It reaches all members and associated members of the International Association of Hydrogeologists and subscribing members of the Geological Society of America – a distribution of around 4000 individuals. Advertising rates are €300 per full-page advert and €200 per half page. These rates apply for one issue. If you take an advert in two succes- sive issues then the third is offered free of charge. Corporate sponsors and corporate members of IAH are entitled to 50% off the above rates. Copy must be provided electronically - please contact [email protected] for acceptable formats. You will be invoiced for payment in euros or at the equivalent rate in sterling or US dollars when the advertisement is agreed. Copy dates are 1 March, 1 June and 1 October. 24