The Malta Independent 6 May 2024, Monday
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Researchers discover fresh water off Malta's coast

Tuesday, 10 August 2021, 07:22 Last update: about 4 years ago

An international team of scientists have obtained strong evidence of a groundwater reservoir off the coast of Malta, a scientific website reports.

The Science Daily reports that the team was made up of scientists led by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the University of Malta.

"Our discovery is based on an oceanographic expedition we conducted in 2018," explains Dr. Amir Haroon, from GEOMAR, lead author of the study. "We used geophysical methods, called reflection seismics, combined with novel electromagnetic techniques to detect these deposits," Haroon continues. "Our data suggest that the groundwater occurs as an isolated body in limestone formations three kilometres from the coast," the scientist explains.

"Offshore groundwater may represent a new, unconventional source of drinking water that should be considered in future national water management strategies for the Maltese islands," Professor Aaron Micallef is quoted as saying.

See report here

Photo: File photo

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