Future challenges and climate change adaptation: Changes in precipitation patterns and their impact on coastal aquifers

Climate change is significantly modifying global precipitation patterns, generating direct impacts on the dynamics and sustainability of coastal aquifers. This study analyzes how alterations in rainfall amount, intensity, temporal distribution, and seasonality affect groundwater recharge processes and promote phenomena such as saltwater intrusion, groundwater level decline, and water quality deterioration. Based on recent scientific evidence and case studies from vulnerable coastal regions, the combined effects of prolonged droughts, extreme precipitation events, and sea-level rise on the hydrogeological balance of these systems are examined. Increased climatic variability reduces natural recharge efficiency due to greater surface runoff during intense rainfall and sustained reductions in water input during dry periods. Additionally, urban and agricultural overexploitation amplifies aquifer vulnerability to salinization. Adaptive management approaches—including advanced climate modeling, continuous hydrogeological monitoring, managed aquifer recharge, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water use—are essential to strengthen resilience. Ensuring the sustainability of coastal aquifers under climate change will require integrating public policy, technological innovation, and long-term climate-based planning.