Groundwater quality deterioration and overexploitation constitute two critical environmental issues worldwide. In this study, with the aim to achieve a groundwater sustainability purpose, a preliminary hydrogeochemical survey is conducted in the Flamouria basin, Pella prefecture, Northern Greece using available and collected data. For this purpose, chemical analyses of groundwater, springs, and surface water were collected and analyzed with three electrical resistivity tomographies (ERTs). A Groundwater Quality Index (GQI), along with a nitrate susceptibility assessment is applied within the porous aquifer. The water quality analysis along with GQI application showed excellent water quality for potable and irrigation use however highlighted future issue for irrigation utilization as the high alkalinity and total dissolved solid (TDS)could generate excessive soil salinization. Moreover, the application of a methodology for the identification of “Nitrate Vulnerable Zone” called the Protection from Natural and Anthropogenic sources (PNA) highlighted the natural susceptibility to nitrate pollution of the porous aquifer, especially in the central part of the area where most agricultural activity is localized. The work further confirmed how the proposed elaboration could represent an easy and widely applicable hydrological assessment where there is also limited data available.

In this article we provide a preliminary report of the work carried out between 2010 and 2012 as part of the Makrakomi Archaeological Landscapes Project (MALP). The programme of research is carried out in co-operation between the Swedish Institute at Athens and the 14th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities at Lamia. The interdisciplinary project started in the summer of 2010, when a pilot survey was conducted in and around the hill of Profitis Elias, in the modern municipality of Makrakomi, where extensive traces of ancient fortifications are still visible. Systematic investigations have been conducted since 2011 as part of a five-year plan of research involving surface survey, geophysical survey and small-scale archaeological excavation as well as geomorphological investigation. The primary aim of MALP is to examine the archaeology and geomorphology of the western Spercheios Valley, within the modern municipality of Makrakomi in order to achieve a better understanding of antiquity in the region, which has previously received scant scholarly attention. Through the archaeological surface survey and architectural survey in 2011 and 2012 we have been able to record traces of what can be termed as a nucleated and structured settlement in an area known locally as Asteria, which is formed by the projecting ridges to the east of Profitis Elias. The surface scatters recorded in this area suggest that the town was primarily occupied from the late 4th century BC and throughout the Hellenistic period. [Abstract abbreviated, see pdf]

In Anthemountas river basin a number of studies have taken place mainly because of the significant drop of underground water level observed in the beginning of the last decade. Data from existing hydrowells show the existence of a complex aquifer with the two main underground water bodies situated east and west of the region of Vasilika and Galarinos villages respectively. A large scale geophysical survey took place consisting of Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). The main area of interest is in the central region of the basin between Vasilika and Galarinos villages where eighty five (85) VES (Schlumberger array), located on a regular grid revealed a three dimensional model for the sedimentary formations while mapping the bedrock down to a depth of more than 600m has been achieved. In the same area, ERT measurements and geological information derived from borehole data are used to obtain a more detailed geological model for the area of interest. From surface to bedrock depth, the hydraulic communication between these two water bodies is examined. Furthermore significant geological features are observed and discussed.

The Kastrouli Late Bronze settlement in Phocis province, central Greece, has been proved to have been an important center in the periphery of the Mycenaean palaces. It was reused at least partially and was cultivated until the 20th century. The presence of a flat area off the Kastrouli hill and the seasonal flooding nowadays led to the present investigation, questioning the formation of an ancient lake or marsh/swamp. A methodological approach was applied combining the digital elevation model (DEM) and GIS of the wider and confined area, examining slopes between 0 and 5 degrees (0 and 8.75%), with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) traverses of around 300 and 500 m, reaching a depth of 100 m. The ERT data were rapidly collected on profiles and provided a cross-sectional (2D) plot. It was found that, in the area, there is a basin with a length of 100 m and a depth of around 40–50 m. The sedimentation process over the millennia has filled the basin, with the upper 5–6 m surface layers of the area having a low resistivity. The presence of two natural sinkholes with apparent engineered hydraulic works is noted to conform to drainage and produce a habitable environment, protecting the cultivated land and avoiding a swamp associated with health issues.