Pacific Island Groundwater and Future Climates: First-pass Regional Vulnerability Assessment [Map set]

 A series of 7 maps developed as part of the Pacific Island Groundwater and Future Climates: First-pass Regional Vulnerability Assessment. The maps were developed by Geoscience Australia for the Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (PACCSAP) programme.

Map 1:  Potential vulnerability of groundwater in the Pacific region to future rainfall (2035-2064). This map shows the relative potential vulnerability of groundwater systems on islands in the Pacific region to projected lowest mean annual rainfall during ENSO phases for the period 2035-2064, considering rainfall date under both moderate and higher emissions scenarios (RCP4.5 and |RCP 8.5). Potential vulnerability was assessed for the assumed principal aquifer on islands with potential for supporting permanent fresh groundwater.

 
Map 2: Potential vulnerability of groundwater in the Pacific region to future rainfall (2070-2099). This map shows the relative potential vulnerability of groundwater systems on islands in the Pacific region to projected lowest mean annual rainfall during ENSO phases for the period 2070-2099, considering rainfall date under both moderate and higher emissions scenarios (RCP4.5 and |RCP 8.5). Potential vulnerability was assessed for the assumed principal aquifer on islands with potential for supporting permanent fresh groundwater.

Map 3: Potential vulnerability of groundwater in the Pacific region to future sea level (2035-2064). This map shows the relative potential vulnerability of groundwater systems on islands in the Pacific region to relative mean sea-level rise (SLR) for the period of 2035-2064 considering sea-level rise data under a higher emissions scenario (RCP8.5). Potential vulnerability was assessed for the assumed principal aquifer on islands with potential for supporting permanent fresh groundwater. 

Map 4: Potential vulnerability of groundwater in the Pacific region to future sea level (2070-2099). This map shows the relative potential vulnerability of groundwater systems on islands in the Pacific region to relative mean sea-level rise (SLR) for the period of 2070- 2099 considering sea-level rise data under a higher emissions scenario (RCP8.5). Potential vulnerability was assessed for the assumed principal aquifer on islands with potential for supporting permanent fresh groundwater. 

Map 5: Hydrogeological island types in the Pacific region. This map shows information about the Hydrogeological Island Types in the Pacific region as well as the potential for fresh groundwater and surface water in each country.

Map 6: Hydrogeological island types of Pacific Island countries. This map shows the distribution of island types based on the hydrogeological characteristics of islands within each of the Pacific Island countries and territories assessed. 

Map 7: Potential vulnerability of groundwater in Pacific Island countries to future rainfall (2035-2064). This map shows the relative potential vulnerability of groundwater systems on islands within 15 Pacific Island countries and territories to lowest mean annual rainfall during ENSO phases for the period 2035-2064, considering rainfall data under both moderate and higher emissions scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Potential vulnerability was assessed for the assumed principal aquifer on islands with potential for supporting permanent fresh groundwater. 

A technical report and dataset are also available as part of this project (see  http://dx.doi.org/10.11636/Record.2014.043).