In the heart of South China, where the karst landscapes sculpt a unique hydrogeological theater, a groundbreaking study led by Changsong Zhou from the Institute of Karst Geology and the Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics under the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is reshaping how we understand and manage water resources in these complex terrains. Published in *Carsologica Sinica* (which translates to “Karst Science of China”), the research offers a comprehensive framework for integrated surface water-groundwater (SW–GW) surveys, addressing long-standing challenges in the region.
The karst region of South China, spanning 780,000 km² and encompassing provinces like Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi, is a hydrogeological puzzle. With 520,000 km² of exposed karst and 260,000 km² of covered or buried karst, the area holds 83.12% of China’s total karst water resources—169.536 billion m³·a−1. The region’s tropical-subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by intense rainfall (1,000 to 2,200 mm annually, with 60% to 80% falling between May and September), adds another layer of complexity. “The hydrogeological structures here are highly heterogeneous, with rapid flow dynamics and frequent SW–GW transformations,” Zhou explains. “This makes traditional survey methods inadequate.”
Since the 1970s, the China Geological Survey (CGS) and provincial departments have conducted extensive hydrogeological surveys, covering 780,000 km² at a 1:250,000 scale and 350,000 km² at a 1:50,000 scale. Despite this wealth of data, no integrated technical standards existed—until now. The 2023 Notice on Carrying out Water Resource Baseline Surveys by the Ministry of Natural Resources mandated unified investigations of all water bodies, prompting Zhou and his team to develop a systematic approach.
The study identifies seven key characteristics of water resources in the region, including systemic structural complexity, spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and frequent SW–GW exchange. It also outlines six hydrological patterns, such as diverse circulation pathways and rapid flow velocities exceeding 80 m·h−1 during wet seasons. “The coexistence of fast and slow flows, along with multi-layer aquifer connectivity, presents unique challenges for water resource management,” Zhou notes.
To address these challenges, the research introduces a six-phase technical framework: pre-survey planning, field investigation, monitoring, evaluation, database development, and reporting. This approach replaces traditional map-based surveys with karst watershed units, offering a more nuanced understanding of the region’s hydrogeology. The study also proposes critical technical solutions, such as designating Level V karst water systems as core assessment units and implementing stratified monitoring networks.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly significant. Karst regions often overlap with areas rich in mineral and energy resources, making sustainable water management crucial for industrial operations. “By providing a standardized approach to SW–GW assessment, this research can help energy companies mitigate risks associated with water scarcity and contamination,” Zhou says. “It also supports the development of resilient infrastructure, ensuring long-term operational stability.”
The integrated framework developed by Zhou and his team addresses long-standing gaps in holistic SW–GW assessment, offering a roadmap for sustainable water resource management in karst regions. As the energy sector continues to expand in South China, this research will be instrumental in shaping policies and practices that balance industrial growth with environmental stewardship.
Published in *Carsologica Sinica*, the study not only advances scientific understanding but also provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. By embracing this integrated approach, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of karst hydrogeology, ensuring a sustainable future for South China’s water resources.