Scientists at the University of Oregon have discovered a vast underground aquifer beneath the central Oregon Cascades. This hidden reservoir holds at least 81 cubic kilometers of water, which is nearly three times the size of Lake Mead. It’s a massive find, reshaping our understanding of water resources in the western United States.
Leif Karlstrom, the lead earth scientist behind the study, described the aquifer as “a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains.” This discovery suggests that the Cascade Range may host the largest volcanic aquifer system on Earth. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, comes at a crucial time as climate change is leading to shrinking snowpacks and more frequent droughts.
The McKenzie River originates from the Cascade Range’s mountain springs and provides drinking water to Eugene, Oregon. Researchers still need to explore how this aquifer connects to the springs that feed the McKenzie River. Understanding this connection is vital for local communities and agriculture that depend on this water source.
Karlstrom emphasizes that while this aquifer is promising, its longevity hinges on the availability of recharging waters. As climate change impacts snowmelt, the stability of the aquifer could be at risk, similar to challenges faced in California regarding groundwater management during droughts.
This discovery also has implications for volcanic risks. The interaction of water with magma could potentially trigger stronger eruptions, prompting scientists to monitor the area closely.
Overall, this massive aquifer reminds us of the many unknowns in our natural systems, especially in the face of climate change. Understanding how these underground water systems work will be crucial for future water planning, particularly for communities like Eugene that rely on water from the Cascades. Geologist Gordon Grant, a co-author of the study, notes that while they have stumbled upon a geological treasure, there is still much to learn about it.
Source link
underground aquifer, Oregon Cascades, aquifer system, University of Oregon, Scientists, McKenzie River, water sources, Leif Karlstrom, cubic kilometers
