**1. Introduction**

During the period 2014–2021, "Groundwater in a changing environment" was the second theme of the eighth phase of the Strategic Plan of the International Hydrologic Programme of the United Nations Science Culture and Education Organization (UNESCO). In 2022, "Groundwater: Making the invisible visible" is the theme of World Water Day and consequently, of the World Water Development Report, both sponsored by the United Nations. Moreover, groundwater is the source of resilience during the occurrence of droughts and therefore, is an essential component of water supply and climate action, therefore, it contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 13. Groundwater is a relevant component of the international water agenda. The dependence of human and ecological communities on

groundwater varies substantially across the globe, but in no location is groundwater not utilized [1].

Groundwater is stored in aquifers. These water bodies are distinguished from other elements of the hydrological cycle, because of their features: flux, storage, and residence time [2]. However, it must not be forgotten that the groundwater subsystem is encompassed by the water system and therefore, its management cannot be made in isolation. The current multiplicity of water uses, and the soaring of stakeholders involved in water issues has forced a paradigm shift for water management, for which system dynamics turns out to be an interesting approach.

System dynamics represent not only modeling but also a radical change of thought [3]. In that sense, the current chapter argues the usefulness of system dynamics for its application in groundwater management. As shall be seen, the simulation of aquifers using this approach allows modelers to include them in broader water systems simulation and describe its behavior on time. Groundwater, surface water, humans, and ecosystems are all interconnected in ways that necessitate an integrated approach to management [4]. The chapter is structured in four sections. The first one elaborates on how the global water crisis belongs to the global risks of the twenty-first century, how it is interrelated with other problems, and how current technology has shifted the paradigm of water management. This section end with a comment on the global relevance of groundwater. On a lower scale, the second section discusses the current situation of groundwater resources in Mexico and describes its consequences. Next, there is a description of the historical development of system dynamics theory and its application to water management, as well as its features. Finally, we undertake a systematic review of the literature available on its applications to groundwater management and mention some opportunities for future research on this topic.
