Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Resources and Its Eco-System in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Jaffna Peninsula is one of the 25 districts of Sri Lanka which has the unique geologic and physical patterns from other parts of the country. As it has the ironic source of groundwater influenced over other potential resources, the district derives more attention on groundwater contamination. The studies carried out in the region show that there is a huge impact on groundwater resource due to the dramatic variation in climate over the years whether it is anthropogenic or natural process.Basically, the climatic circumstances depend on the continuous weather patterns in a time frame. The overall climate pattern is decided by the observations of individual factors; temperature, rainfall and direct sunshine in a certain region. Meanwhile, groundwater contamination is identified with the factors of BOD, DO and other ion presence. These groundwater contamination indicators fluctuate greatly even in terms of a tiny change of climatic condition. Thus, the ecosystem and other livelihood which depend on the groundwater resource face difficulties in regards to the survival on earth. This paper would emphasize on how the climatic factors will influence the parameters in terms of groundwater contamination in Jaffna Peninsula and the chronic issues faced by the surrounded ecosystem and livelihood. Also, it may reveal number of suggestions and recommendations aimed at the mitigation of the climate change impact on groundwater contamination and its ecosystem.