Climate change endangers earth’s largest freshwater reserves
An international study conducted in 12 caves worldwide indicates that a significant portion of the planet’s freshwater reserves, crucial for immediate consumption, are at risk due to climate change.
The caves, providing access to underground systems inaccessible above ground, harbor vast reserves of freshwater inhabited by unique and vital organisms crucial for maintaining water quality.
Led by Anna Sofia Ribeiro of the University of Lisbon, the study analyzed temperature changes in over 105,000 measurements across caves in various climates, revealing three distinct thermal response patterns compared to surface temperatures.
While some caves reflected surface temperature changes with a delay, others exhibited rapid responses or inverse patterns. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, confirms that ‘with rising surface temperatures due to climate change, cave temperatures will also increase, affecting the stability of freshwater reserves.’ Additionally, the research uncovered daily thermal cycles in some caves, indicating the potential for controlling biological rhythms in subterranean organisms.
The study highlights the inability to predict and the potential harm to freshwater quality, given the presence of rare and vulnerable species in these ecosystems.
Key caves studied, such as Planina in Slovenia, Viento in the Canary Islands, and Vale Telheiro in Portugal, are identified as hotspots for global biodiversity.
