A team of researchers from the University of Oregon has made a groundbreaking discovery, finding a massive underwater aquifer beneath the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. The estimated 81 cubic kilometers of water is roughly three times the volume of Lake Mead, a reservoir on the Colorado River.
The aquifer was discovered while studying how the Cascade landscape has evolved over time and how water moves through it. Researchers used existing projects that involved drilling deep into the ground to measure temperatures at different depths in search of geothermal energy resources. By analyzing temperature changes, they were able to infer where groundwater was infiltrating the volcanic rocks.
The team’s findings suggest that the aquifer is a continental-size lake stored in the rocks, which could provide a significant source of water for Oregon. However, experts caution that it’s still a limited resource and requires protection.
Oregon relies heavily on water from the Cascades, with many rivers feeding into the reservoirs. The discovery of this underwater aquifer was a surprise, but it highlights the importance of studying the geological history of the region.
The team’s study suggests that changes in precipitation patterns could impact the aquifer’s replenishment, making it essential to understand how these changes will affect the water supply. With snowpack in the high Cascades expected to decrease, the region is now facing a critical question: what will happen if there is no snow or fewer rains?
The discovery of this massive underwater aquifer provides Oregon with a significant geological gift, but further research is necessary to fully understand its implications for the state’s water supply.
Source: https://www.kptv.com/2025/01/13/uo-teams-finds-huge-underground-aquifer-cascades