Archive · 6 Oct 2026
IIT Kharagpur Study Finds Cyclones Disrupt Deep Coastal Aquifers
Researchers studied how storms affected underground water in the Sundarbans.
They examined seven atmospheric depressions and four cyclones between 2017 and 2020.
The storms changed the movement and levels of groundwater.
They could also help salty seawater mix with freshwater underground, even more than 100 metres below the ground.
Water closer to the surface usually changed more quickly.
Changes in deeper water could last longer.
The study used several kinds of measurements to trace these changes.
The researchers say water should be checked at different depths and groundwater use should be planned carefully.
These steps may help protect drinking water in coastal areas.
Researchers examined 11 extreme weather events in the Sundarbans from May 2017 to May 2020: seven atmospheric depressions and four cyclones.
The study found that these events can rapidly change groundwater levels and hydraulic gradients, encouraging freshwater and seawater to mix.
Changes were detected in aquifers more than 100 metres underground; shallow aquifers usually changed faster, while deeper disturbances could last longer.
Groundwater-level measurements, chemical and stable-isotope analyses, and numerical modelling were used to assess aquifer responses.
Researchers recommend monitoring aquifers at multiple depths, managing extraction carefully, incorporating weather forecasts into water planning, and locating wells strategically.
- Who
- Researchers from IIT Kharagpur and SRM University, Andhra Pradesh.
- What
- A study found that extreme weather can change groundwater levels and movement and facilitate seawater mixing in coastal aquifers.
- When
- The events studied occurred from May 2017 to May 2020; the paper was published in Scientific Reports in 2026.
- Where
- The Sundarbans, within the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta.
- Why
- To assess how extreme weather affects coastal groundwater and the freshwater resources used for drinking water.
Study Findings
Groundwater Management
Different aquifers respond differently
Study Findings
The study found that shallow aquifers generally show larger, faster changes, while disturbances in deeper aquifers may last longer; seawater mixing also varies by depth.
Groundwater Management
The researchers say groundwater systems should be managed according to the depth and characteristics of individual aquifers, rather than as one uniform resource.
Protecting coastal freshwater
Study Findings
Extreme weather can change groundwater flow and help saline water enter freshwater-bearing zones, including deep aquifers.
Groundwater Management
The researchers recommend monitoring at multiple depths, managing extraction carefully, using weather forecasts in water planning, and placing wells away from areas vulnerable to seawater intrusion.
- Study area
- The Sundarbans in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta
- Events examined
- 11: seven atmospheric depressions and four tropical cyclones
- Cyclones named
- Titli, Fani, Bulbul and Amphan
- Event period
- May 2017 to May 2020
- Deep aquifers
- Changes and saline-water mixing were indicated at depths exceeding 100 metres
- Methods
- Groundwater-level measurements, hydrogeochemical and stable-isotope analyses, and numerical modelling
- Recommended measures
- Depth-specific monitoring, careful extraction management, weather-informed planning and strategic well placement
- Publication
- Scientific Reports, 2026
