Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the subsurface water in Oregon’s Cascade Range, finding an aquifer that could be one of the largest in the world. The team from the University of Oregon and other institutions identified a layer of water-saturated rock beneath volcanic rocks at the crest of the central Oregon Cascades. With a volume of at least 19.43 cubic miles, it is more than half the size of Lake Tahoe.
The discovery has significant implications for understanding the region’s water supply and evaluating potential volcanic hazards. The aquifer is like a “big water tower” that stores a continental-size amount of water. Researchers believe there may be similar large volcanic aquifers in other regions, making the Cascade Range the largest of its kind globally.
However, this new discovery also poses challenges. Volcanic eruptions with large amounts of water can be more explosive and hazardous. The team’s findings suggest that the aquifer is a limited resource that could be affected by changes in precipitation projected for the region.
The researchers used previously drilled holes to measure rock temperatures and infer the extent of the aquifer. While their initial estimates were conservative, they warn that the actual size may be even larger due to potential parts of the aquifer being missed.
As Oregon handles this new discovery, it must consider the intersection between water resources and volcanic hazards. With no snow or severe droughts, the region’s ability to access its vast water reservoir will be a major concern.
Key points:
– The Cascade Range has an estimated 19.43 cubic miles of aquifer water
– This is more than half the size of Lake Tahoe
– Volcanic eruptions can increase explosiveness and hazards with large amounts of water
– The aquifer is a limited resource that may be affected by changes in precipitation
Source: https://gizmodo.com/massive-aquifer-beneath-oregons-cascades-could-be-the-largest-in-the-world-2000549681