Scientists from the University of Oregon have made a groundbreaking discovery beneath the central Oregon Cascades – a massive underground aquifer containing at least 81 cubic kilometers of water. The find is significant, as it challenges current understanding of water resources in the western United States.
Located “like a big water tower” within the rocks at the top of the mountains, this continental-size lake has been found to hold nearly three times the volume of Lake Mead and more than half that of Lake Tahoe. According to Leif Karlstrom, the study’s lead earth scientist, this discovery reshapes our understanding of water resources in the region.
The research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences points to the Cascade Range possibly being home to the largest volcanic aquifer system on Earth. This finding comes at a critical time, as rising global temperatures are shrinking snowpacks and making droughts more frequent across the western United States.
The discovery holds importance for local communities and agriculture in the region, particularly those reliant on the McKenzie River, which starts from mountain springs in the Cascade Range. However, scientists still need to determine how the aquifer connects to these sources, a crucial step in understanding its impact on water planning.
While the aquifer’s size seems promising, researchers caution that its longevity and resilience depend on the availability of recharging waters, particularly snowmelt. As shrinking snowpacks threaten the aquifer’s stability, scientists are monitoring the area closely for potential volcanic risks.
This discovery serves as a reminder that there is still much to be learned about natural systems, especially in light of climate change. By uncovering this underground water connection, researchers may gain valuable insights into future water planning and management.
“This region has been handed a geological gift, but we really are only beginning to understand it,” notes Gordon Grant, co-author of the study. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of this aquifer, the potential benefits for people living in regions reliant on the Cascades’ water resources become increasingly clear.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/scientists-unexpected-discovery-beneath-mountain-110046897.html