Boku makes the warming of Vienna's groundwater visible

The warming of Vienna's groundwater could have negative effects on water quality and ecology, according to Boku in a press release. Boku, together with the University of Vienna and Geosphere Austria, has translated these temperature trends into high-resolution, comprehensive maps as part of a study.

Underground Heat Islands with Consequences for Vienna's Groundwater

In some zones in Vienna, the groundwater is on average about four to eight degrees warmer than in the surrounding areas. According to the information, these underground heat islands are created by dense surface sealing - asphalt and buildings store heat and transfer it into the ground - and the underground infrastructure, such as subway tunnels and underground garages. In the current work, the heat islands were made visible and their effects on the chemical composition of the groundwater were examined. The increase in groundwater temperature "must be urgently considered in water management to avoid possible negative effects on water quality and ecology," says Eva-Florina Kaminsky from the Institute of Soil Physics and Rural Water Management at Boku in the press release. She recommends the targeted use of the underground heat stored in the heat islands for heating.

The studies on Vienna's groundwater can be found here and here.

(APA/Red)

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