Impact of Climate Change and Groundwater Extraction on Soil Moisture Trends and Groundwater Recharge Systems: A Critical Review

Abstract

This study examines the intricate interactions between groundwater pumping, climate change, and their combinedimplicationson soil moisture patterns and groundwater recharge systems. With a critical review of recent literature, this research evaluates the role of climate-driven changes and human intervention in soil moisture changes, groundwater recharge rates, and the susceptibility of groundwater systems. The observations reinforce the significance of interdisciplinary means for managing water resources, including considerations of hydrological and climatic aspects, in addition to socio-economic aspects. Strategies of adaptation for moderating the detrimentaleffects of such alterations are further explained.

Introduction

Study Context

• Groundwater is crucial for agriculture, domestic use, and ecosystems.

• It's under threat from over-extraction, pollution, and climate change, which impact soil moisture and recharge.

2. Research Aim

• The study aims to analyze and compare the impacts of climate change and groundwater abstraction on soil moisture and groundwater recharge, exploring their interaction and broader implications for water resources.

3. Literature Review

A. Climate Change and Soil Moisture

• Rising temperatures and altered rainfall reduce soil moisture.

• Wang & Liu (2023) show climate change is a dominant factor, but pumping also contributes.

• Groundwater pumping disrupts natural aquifer-soil water exchange, worsening evaporation.

B. Groundwater Pumping Effects

• Overuse lowers groundwater tables and dries soil.

• Can cause hydraulic disconnection, reducing deep soil moisture and harming agriculture and ecosystems.

C. Climate Change and Recharge

• Holman (2023) explains how climate change alters soil infiltration and recharge patterns.

• Recharge rates vary by region and are difficult to estimate due to climate and land-use changes.

D. Socio-Economic and Policy Factors

• Future population growth, farming practices, and industrialization will affect groundwater.

• Policies promoting sustainable extraction, irrigation efficiency, and local water governance are critical.

4. Methodology

• Uses data on climate, soil moisture, and groundwater from field studies, satellites, and models.

• Hydrological models (e.g., SWAT, MODFLOW) simulate impacts.

• Statistical methods like regression and PCA identify key relationships.

5. Results and Discussion

A. Climate Change Impact on Soil Moisture

• Soil moisture has declined in many areas due to temperature rise and erratic rainfall.

• Trends vary under different climate scenarios.

B. Groundwater Extraction Effects

• Regions dependent on aquifers (e.g., India, USA) show clear links between extraction and declining soil moisture.

C. Recharge Trends and Variability

• Recharge has decreased in drought-prone areas but increased in regions with heavy rainfall.

• Holman (2023) details recharge shifts due to climatic events.

D. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

1. Sustainable Groundwater Use: Recharge wells, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation.

2. Soil Moisture Preservation: Mulching, conservation tillage, and soil amendments.

3. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Combines technical modeling and policy reforms to address the interconnectedness of surface water, groundwater, and soil moisture.

Conclusion

1) Summary of Findings: Summarize the major findings from the literature review, data analysis, and case studies. Highlight the overriding influence of climate change in determining soil moisture trends and groundwater recharge, but also recognize the important role of groundwater abstraction. 2) Policy and Research Recommendations: Provide recommendations for future research such as the development of more accurate hydrological models, the importance of interdisciplinary research, and the necessity of taking socio-economic aspects into consideration for water resource management. 3) Final Thoughts: Conclude with an appeal for proactive management measures to facilitate sustainable groundwater usage in the context of climate change.

References

[1] Wang, Y., & Liu, B. (2023). Contributions of Climate Change and Groundwater Extractions to Soil Moisture Trends. [2] Holman, I. P. (2023). Climate Change Impact on Groundwater Recharge. [3] Shrestha, S., &Bhatta, B. (2023). Climate Change Impact on Groundwater Recharge.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Harsh , Ankush Bharti, Utkarsh Vats, Arjun Gahlot. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.