The 50th congress of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) was hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, with the theme “Groundwater: A Matter of Scale”. This topical collection https://link.springer.com/collections/ecggjaeigi comprises seven articles selected for their relevance and contribution to the diverse and impactful groundwater-related work conducted in South Africa. These articles provide case studies linking field data with the characterisation, modelling, and management of South African groundwater systems. These systems include intergranular, fractured, and karstic aquifers which and are all handled and interpreted differently. Hydrogeologists are the professionals responsible for conducting groundwater investigations and providing defensible recommendations. The collection highlights progress in terms of site investigation, modelling, and management of groundwater in South Africa, which is linked by an essay https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-025-02977-1 that is published together with the articles.
Contributed by Matthys Dippenaar, Guest Editor for the collection.
Matthys Dippenaar sampling purged groundwater for isotopes.
Sudwala Caves, South Africa, showing Precambrian dolomite and chert with Tertiary karstification.
Cape Granite Suite, South Africa, showing the highly variable conditions of the vadose zone.
