Status and codification of karst aquifer systems in Greece

Karst groundwater is an important natural resource for the water supply. The karst aquifer systems of Greece are developed within carbonate sedimentary (limestone, dolomite) and metamorphic rocks (marbles) contribute significantly to supply domestic irrigation use. They discharged through springs: submarine, coastal brackish inland freshwater springs. This review presents general characteristics aquifers focusing on hydraulic properties. Evaluation results shows that parameters karstic range a large scale values depending karstification, tectonics stratigraphy. High transmissivity specific capacity recorded in upper stratigraphically levels systems. In addition, total 229 different were classified according five criteria: 1) Lithology, 2) Position, 3) Quality status, 4) Exploitation quantitative status 5) Discharge majority (80%) (limestones) good quality status. Poor (mainly islands) due seawater intrusion phenomena. Finally, this work summarizes order ensure sustainable management resources.