POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GROUNDWATER RESOURCES IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Abstract

Global warming is permanently changing the climate. Hydrological cycle is being intensified with increase in the rate of evaporation, condensation and precipitation resulting in frequent intense rainfall, flooding, sea level rise and drought in different parts of the world. Groundwater is connected to the hydrological cycle. The rate of aquifer’s recharge depends among others mainly on the amount of rainfall. Port Harcourt is part of the globe and not exempted from climate change; and groundwater is the main source of fresh water. Therefore, this study presents a critical evaluation of the hydrogeological/hydrological and meteorological setting of Port Harcourt aimed at predicting the potential impact of climate change on the groundwater resources. This study indicates that the groundwater resource is robust due to aquifer thickness, steady rainfall almost throughout the year and permeable overlying rock materials. However, some locations of shallow coastal aquifer are at risk of saltwater intrusion. Regional location and the geomorphology of Port Harcourt make it prone to flooding that can be exacerbated to catastrophic dimension by climate change. Low prevention capacity of overlying soils and proliferation of private boreholes inundated during flooding makes it easier for pollutants mobilized during flooding to get into the aquifer and pollute the groundwater. Therefore, Groundwater resources in Port Harcourt may be robust, but it’s gradually diminishing in quality.