Spring water system classifications and their methods of study: An overview of the current status and future perspectives

Spring constitutes one of the primary water resources in some parts of the world, such as the Indian Himalayas. However, these remain imperfectly surveyed and delineated far and wide in most areas worldwide. Due to natural and anthropogenic factors, the springs are under great threat. All over the globe, springs have left as data deficit and have not relatively gained considerable attention in comparison to other systems like rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. This is also true for India, where most of the research is usually centered on groundwater, rivers, lakes and wetlands. This manuscript presents an overview of studies carried out on various themes of spring water systems, such as characteristics,classification schemes, and different empirical and analytical methods at international and national levels. A comprehensive overview of the literature identified the demand for an integrated approach of different empirical and analytical methods to strengthen the understanding of spring hydrology in the Himalayan region and elsewhere.