Aquifers are under severe stress worldwide as a result of large water-budget imbalances created by the excessive pumping of groundwater. Although this condition has been recognized for decades, efforts to address the widespread depletion of groundwater resources have been stymied by an incomplete understanding of aquifer dynamics, data limitations, a mismatch between law and science, and a variety of socio-economic, cultural, and political factors. Burgeoning populations, dietary shifts, and climate change just heighten the need to develop effective means for reducing the stress on our groundwater resources. We propose to bring together a multidisciplinary group of presenters to discuss the latest findings regarding the prospects for sustainability of heavily stressed aquifers. We welcome contributions that address all aspects of the impediments to, and opportunities for, meeting the challenges posed by this pressing global problem.

• NS - Near Surface Geophysics