Surface–groundwater interactions represent a key component in understanding hydrogeological systems, particularly in mountain catchments, where groundwater contributions to streamflow are often dominant and play an increasingly important role in water availability under changing climatic conditions. However, in these settings, understanding the processes governing exchanges between groundwater and surface water is challenging due to the strong heterogeneity of geological systems, the presence of fractured aquifers, and the limited availability of observational data. In this context, the development of approaches capable of integrating multiple data sources is essential to improve the understanding of surface–groundwater interactions.
This study proposes and applies an integrated approach to quantify surface–groundwater interactions, combining in situ hydrometric and meteorological measurements, satellite-based data on precipitation, evapotranspiration, and snow, hydrogeochemical and isotopic analyses, tracer-based discharge measurements, and drone-based thermal surveys.
The application to the Ussita catchment (central Apennines) highlights the dominant role of groundwater in sustaining streamflow, with localized contributions along the river network. Snowmelt accounts for approximately 18% of aquifer recharge, significantly influencing the overall water balance.
The proposed methodology is transferable to other mountain catchments characterized by high hydrogeological complexity and limited data availability, providing a useful tool to improve the understanding of hydrological processes and to support water resource management under climate change.
Further details
For further details, see the article published in open access in Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, available at: https://hess.copernicus.org/articles/30/1755/2026/.
