The first results of isotopic investigations as a part of the hydrogeological study of northern Switzerland are presented. This study is part of the global geological research project of the NAGRA (National Co-operative for the Storage of Radioactive Waste) which is intended to provide the scientific knowledge required for the assessment of the feasibility of safe disposal of highly radioactive waste in the geological formations of the area. The aim of the hydrogeological research programme is to assess the natural conditions in the sedimentary sequence and the underlying granite basement, by regional investigation of hydraulic parameters, isotopic composition, and hydrogeochemistry at all existing wells (boreholes and natural thermal springs) and in 11 to 12 deep-drilled boreholes (to final depth of 1500–2500 m).

The hydrogeology of the Roer Valley Rift System is strongly influenced by the hydraulic properties of faults. The hydrogeological impact of faults is illustrated by examples from the SE Netherlands and the adjacent lignite mining areas within the Roer Valley Rift System, near Bonn in Germany. Hydraulic head discontinuities over the main faults in the latter area can be up to tens of meters as a result of extremely large groundwater extractions in combination with the relatively low conductivity of the main faults. Within the Netherlands, outside the mining areas, such large groundwater extractions do not take place, and groundwater fluxes are smaller. In this situation natural hydraulic head differences over the main faults are limited to several meters. Hydraulic head profiles over faults provide a first estimate of fault hydraulic properties that can be quantified using simple analytical solutions. The impact of faults on near surface processes is reflected in vegetation patterns and the structure of drainage networks, aquifer structure and hydraulic head patterns. Faults can thus be of great influence on transport processes in the subsurface as well as on water-related phenomena at the surface, and should accordingly be taken into consideration in studies related to water-management, contamination and environmental impact. Faults that have an enhanced vertical permeability are difficult to detect when horizontal groundwater flow is studied, which is probably the main reason why they are rarely described. Though, these faults may form important preferential paths to vertical groundwater flow.

Over the last ten to twenty years, geological surveys all over the world have been entangled in a process of digitisation. Their paper archives, built over many decades, have largely been replaced by electronic databases. The systematic production of geological map sheets is being replaced by 3D subsurface modelling, the results of which are distributed electronically. In the Netherlands, this transition is both being accelerated and concluded by a new law that will govern management and utilisation of subsurface information. Under this law, the Geological Survey of the Netherlands has been commissioned to build a key register for the subsurface: a single national database for subsurface data and information, which Dutch government bodies are obliged to use when making policies or decisions that pertain to, or can be affected by the subsurface. This requires the Survey to rethink and redesign a substantial part of its operation: from data acquisition and interpretation to delivery. It has also helped shape our view on geological surveying in the future.

The key register, which is expected to start becoming operational in 2015, will contain vast quantities of subsurface data, as well as their interpretation into 3D models. The obligatory consultation of the register will raise user expectations of the reliability of all information it contains, and requires a strong focus on confidence issues. Building the necessary systems and meeting quality requirements is our biggest challenge in the upcoming years. The next step change will be towards building 4D models, which represent not only geological conditions in space, but also processes in time such as subsidence, anthropogenic effects, and those associated with global change.

Environmental changes in the northern Antarctic Peninsula provide a sensitive local indicator of climate warming. A consequence of these changes is the activation of surface and subsurface hydrological cycles in areas where water, in colder conditions, would remain frozen. This paper analyses the effects of hydrological cycle activation at Cape Lamb, Vega Island. The conclusions are based on hydrochemistry and isotope interpretation of 51 representative water samples from precipitation, streams, lakes, ice, snow and groundwater. Based on these results relationships between the different components of the hydrological cycle are proposed. This paper highlights the important contribution of groundwater to surface water chemistry, the disconnection of the lakes from the overall flow, the lack of an ocean spray signature in surface water and groundwater and the significant influence of windblown dust in the composition of the analysed waters.