Potential Impacts of Global Warming on Groundwater in Eastern Massachusetts

Abstract

The possible impacts of climate change induced by global warming on a highly permeable, unconfined aquifer located in the humid northeastern U.S. is analyzed for the years 2030 and 2100. The groundwater model MODFLOW is calibrated and verified for the area and used to analyze the impacts of several mean and drought climate change scenarios. Pumping conditions and land use are assumed to remain the same as at present. The climate change scenarios result in either slightly higher, no different, or significantly less annual recharge and groundwater elevations, producing a variety of impacts on wetlands, water supply potential, and low flows. Impacts are most severe under some drought scenarios. The policy response to the possible impacts as recommended by the leader of a watershed advocacy group is that wise management of the aquifer should be advocated with a particular focus on limiting the expansion of water supply from the aquifer and increasing the present amount of groundwater recharge.