Scientists have discovered a massive aquifer beneath volcanic rocks in the central Oregon Cascades, potentially the largest of its kind in the US. The aquifer, which stores over 81 cubic kilometers of active groundwater, could provide relief to water users in the region during periods of drought and extreme weather.
The discovery was made by researchers at the University of Oregon who used deep drill holes dug in the 1980s and 1990s to explore geothermal energy resources. They mapped the volume of the underground reservoir by inferring how deeply groundwater infiltrated through cracks in the volcanic rocks.
However, it’s unclear whether this discovery can solve Oregon’s water woes, as the aquifer is dependent on a good snowpack to recharge. Climate change forecasts predict a rapid decrease in snowpacks in the Cascades over the coming decades.
The findings also highlight the potential for heightened volcanic hazards in the area, as magma interacting with water often leads to explosive eruptions.
This discovery underscores the importance of understanding how water moves through the geological landscape and its implications for both environmental protection and human activity.
Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/researchers-find-huge-aquifer-hidden-atop-oregons-cascade-range