A groundbreaking study has revealed an enormous underground reservoir of water hidden within the Oregon Cascades, which is more than twice the size of Lake Mead. The aquifer, located beneath a 700-mile stretch of mountains from Northern California to British Columbia, Canada, holds at least 19.4 cubic miles (81 cubic kilometers) of water.
Researchers used temperature measurements to detect the presence of water in the volcanic rocks, finding that areas with constant temperatures suggested cooling due to water permeating the rock. This led to the discovery of a massive, continent-sized aquifer stored within the rocks.
The implications of this find are significant, as it could impact both human water use and our understanding of volcanic processes in the region. The researchers warn that climate change and droughts may pose challenges to managing the aquifer’s resources.
According to study co-author Leif Karlstrom, “This is a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, like a big water tower.” The discovery suggests that the Cascade Range may be the largest aquifer of its kind globally.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/volcanos/scientists-discover-enormous-reservoir-hidden-in-cascades-more-than-twice-the-amount-of-water-in-lake-mead