Interactive Lecture on Groundwater and Climate Extremes at ELTE TTK

On March 20, 2025, ELTE TTK hosted an interactive lecture as part of the Green Semester and in celebration of World Water Day. The event, organized by ELTE TTK HÖK and Tétékásnyúz, marked the opening of the Climate Awareness series. The lecture, titled "Missing Link in the Water Cycle – What’s Happening Beneath Our Feet?", was delivered by renowned hydrogeologist Judit-Mádl Szőnyi, with Ildikó Erhardt facilitating the interactive segments.

The session began with a warm welcome from Judit-Mádl Szőnyi, who introduced the topic of groundwater and its crucial role in the water cycle. Ildikó Erhardt then highlighted the collaborative efforts of their research team, which includes hydrogeologists, geophysicists, physicists, IT specialists, project managers, PhD students.

World Water Day 2025 focuses on Glacier Preservation, highlighting the critical issue of rapidly melting glaciers and their impact on billions of people’s lives. This theme was also discussed during the lecture, emphasizing the importance of preserving glaciers to mitigate water crises and climate change.

The presenter explained how rainwater becomes groundwater through infiltration, passing through the unsaturated zone and raising the groundwater level. She highlighted the slow movement of groundwater due to its gradient, which connects distant surface areas and feeds into rivers, lakes, coastal lagoons, and seas.

The lecture emphasized the importance of groundwater in energy and food security, human health, and ecosystems. Judit-Mádl Szőnyi discussed the concept of groundwater age and its implications for geological processes and climate change.

The lecture also covered the impacts of climate change on hydrological extremes, such as increased surface runoff leading to floods, and higher temperatures causing increased evaporation and drought. The presenter stressed the need for adaptation and the inclusion of groundwater in solutions to these extremes.

A key focus of the presentation was the NaBa-MAR® technology, which involves managed water storage in underground reservoirs. This technology allows for the storage of excess water in aquifers, which can later be extracted or used for ecological purposes. This innovative approach helps mitigate the impacts of hydroclimatic extremes on surface waters and ecosystems.

To engage the audience, Ildikó Erhardt used Wooclap, an interactive tool that allowed participants to answer questions and share their thoughts in real-time. This interactive element made the lecture more dynamic and fostered a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

The target audience for this event was university students, who are the future scientists, policymakers, and environmental advocates. Engaging this audience is crucial for the ClimEx-PE project as it helps raise awareness and understanding of climate extremes and sustainable water management practices among the next generation.

The discussion on adaptation strategies included various water retention solutions such as reservoirs, rainwater harvesting tanks, permeable pavements, and targeted groundwater recharge. These methods are crucial for sustainable water management and climate change adaptation.

The event was a great success, providing valuable insights into the hidden world of groundwater and its significance in the context of climate change. It underscored the need for sustainable management of water resources to ensure a secure future for all.