Anthropogenic Hydrogeological Conditions in the Moscow City Area

Abstract

In urban areas, groundwater is subject to numerous stresses. These include high rates of groundwater withdrawal which can cause hydrodynamic, hydrogeochemical, and thermal anomalies to develop in the aquifer and may lead to increased karstification. Prolonged, high-rates of groundwater withdrawal have lowered piezometric heads in the Carboniferous aquifers beneath the Moscow city area and have caused, not only hydrodynamic changes but also hydrochemical, hydrobiological and thermal anomalies. High rates of groundwater exploitation have intensified karst formation and promoted erosion.