Groundwater Overexploitation and Land Subsidence in the Messara Basin, Crete: Integrating Land Use, Hydrolithology and Basin-Scale Potentiometry with InSAR
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Messara Basin, a critical agricultural region in Crete, Greece, faces escalating geohazards, particularly land subsidence driven by intensive groundwater abstraction. Historical radar interferometry (1992–2009) indicated subsidence up to 20 mm·yr−1, while recent European Ground Motion Service data (2016–2021) show mean vertical velocities reaching −31.2 mm·yr−1. This study provides the first integrated hydrogeological assessment for the Basin, based on systematic field surveys, borehole inventories, and four coordinated campaigns (2021–2023) that established a basin-wide monitoring network of 767 stations. The dataset supports delineation of recharge zones, identification of potentiometric depressions, and mapping of aquifer-stress areas. Results show strong seasonality and extensive cones of depression, with local heads declining to ~−50 m below sea level. Land-use change (1990–2018 CORINE data; 2000–2020 agricultural censuses) combined with updated geological mapping highlights the vulnerability of post-Alpine formations, especially Quaternary and Plio–Pleistocene deposits, to deformation. The combined evidence links pumping-induced head decline with spatially coherent subsidence, delineates hotspots of aquifer stress, and identifies zones of elevated compaction risk. These findings provide a decision-ready baseline to support sustainable groundwater management, including enhanced monitoring, targeted demand controls, and managed aquifer-recharge trials.
Source: Land
DOI: 10.3390/land14112124
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4415564800