The study area is located on the island of Crete (Greece). Crete has a dry sub-humid Mediterranean climate with long hot and dry summers and relatively humid and cold winters. The Messara valley covers an area of 398 square km in the south of the Heraklion prefecture, and it is the largest and most productive valley of the island.

 

Over-exploitation during the past 30 years has led to a dramatic decrease, in excess of 35 m, in the groundwater level. Potential future climatic changes in the Mediterranean region, population increase, and extensive agricultural activity generate concern over the sustainability of the water resources.