This is a compilation of 20 case studies from more 30 different countries that have been carried out under the framework of the UNESCO- IHP GRAPHIC project. The case studies presented in this volume represent aquifers from all the major climate regions of the world. The studies address groundwater resources in a range of hydrogeological settings from mountainous to coastal aquifer systems, including unconfined, semi-confined, and confined aquifers in unconsolidated to fractured- rock material. More details on each case study location, climate, hydrogeological setting, land use, groundwater use, as well as subjects addressed and methods applied are presented.

This volume is organized by case study according to the major climate groups of the Köppen- Geiger climate classification scheme: tropical, dry (arid and semi-arid), temperate, continental, and polar climates. The introduction of each chapter describes the purpose and scope, study area, methodology, and relevance to the GRAPHIC project. The results and discussion are followed by recommendations for water managers and planners, as well as policy and decision makers. Finally, the continuation of research activities and future work are outlined.