BALTEX Phase II 2003 – 2012. Science Framework and ...

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BALTEX Phase II Science Framework and Implementation Strategy
augmented by modules of trace gas and aerosol transport as well as of phytoplankton growth can be
used as tools to assess impacts of measures to reduce air and water pollution on the biomass
production in the Baltic Sea and related eutrophication, that often causes accelerated oxygen depletion
in parts of the Baltic Sea below the seasonal thermocline or the halocline. The environmental
protection agencies of countries in the Baltic Sea basin will be invited to cooperate with scientists in
order to test eutrophication reduction scenarios that involve projections of future wastewater, future
NO x emissions and sewage treatment plant construction policies. BALTEX will specifically
coordinate its activities with HELCOM, the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission.
5.3.5. Groundwater Changes Caused by a Changed Water Cycle
Clean groundwater is an essential part of our life, as many of us get it as drinking water. As often only
small parts of annual precipitation recharge groundwater (sometimes less than 100 mm per year),
rather small changes in precipitation amount and timing as well as land use can lead to substantial
changes in groundwater availability and quality. Therefore, many drinking water supply authorities or
companies have a high interest in reliable information on potential groundwater changes. For the
inclusion of tested groundwater modules into the coupled models, we need to get input from the
groundwater research and application communities. The joint research has to start at the beginning of
BALTEX Phase II.