ABSTRACT
The dynamic behaviour of aquifers can be thought of as the result of two aspects: aquifer properties and driving forces. Aquifer properties, including hydrogeological properties, spatial dimensions and boundary conditions, involve both physical and chemical characteristics that determine the response of the aquifer system to external influences. The hydrogeological properties result from sedimentary and tectonic processes and include hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic resistance and the storage coefficient. The driving forces can be subdivided into natural and anthropogenic. Naturally occurring driving forces are climatic processes that induce changes in the water flow and mass transport in aquifers. Driving forces related to human activity can be of various kinds, but one that is undoubtedly most common is groundwater abstraction.
