Articles tagged with Groundwater
A study published in AGU Advances found that water depletion from rivers and lakes accelerates near urban centers due to factors like increased evaporation and groundwater exploitation. Researchers analyzed satellite imagery of the US from 1984 to 2018 and developed a model predicting surface water loss proximity to cities.
Researchers reassess radon's accuracy for tracing natural radioactive atoms in flowing groundwater. A new study reveals that the equilibrium assumption used in previous measurements may be flawed, throwing doubt on radon transfer rates.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.
A symmetrical, 2x3 km buried formation in Qatar suggests evidence of a sedentary civilization with advanced engineering skills. The site's unique soil composition and landscaping point to irrigation systems and crop cultivation.
Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.
Scientists have developed a mathematical method to interpret data on underground water flows, providing more efficient and accurate imaging for planning construction works and inspecting dams. The technique has great potential for locating water reservoirs in dry areas and tapping into this resource for agricultural and industrial needs.
A multi-institutional team led by Virginia Tech is developing new theories on socio-environmental diversity and its impact on effective groundwater self-governance regimes. The research aims to identify promising stakeholder-driven solutions to groundwater depletion, which threatens farmers' livelihoods and national food supplies.
A new study found that Brood X cicada emergence holes significantly increased water infiltration rates in undisturbed areas but not in disturbed sites. The holes filled with sediment and debris over time, causing a rapid decrease in infiltration at disturbed locations.
Researchers found that tides play a crucial role in modulating groundwater discharge and coastal salinity, especially during low rainfall periods. Heavy rains and tropical cyclones also impact submarine groundwater discharge, with significant effects on coastal ecosystems and aquaculture.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that adding organic carbon substances like ethanol and glucose can improve nitrate degradation in groundwater. Temperature played a significant role in selecting the most effective substance.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a groundbreaking technology to accurately map and characterize groundwater systems. The new method uses surface-based NMR measurements, enabling detailed hydrogeological and geological analysis in previously inaccessible areas.
A new dataset from Canterbury earthquakes provides over 15,000 case histories for liquefaction, significantly augmenting model training and testing. The dataset enhances hazard assessments and improves engineering solutions in earthquake recovery, benefiting society as a whole.
A new study warns that California's Central Valley groundwater may be unable to recover from past and future droughts, with less than a third recovered after the 2012-2016 drought. The researchers found that groundwater recovery times can be halved with modest caps on pumping in drought and post-drought years.
Princeton researchers have solved a 54-year-old mystery about why certain fluids slow down under pressure when flowing through porous materials. The findings could help improve processes in oil recovery, groundwater remediation and more.
Researchers developed a new method to locate groundwater using satellite imagery, geospatial techniques, and GIS. The technique identifies most effective recharge zones as those with numerous rock fractures, low drainage, and gentle slopes.
A new project led by Cornell University's Flavio Lehner will improve climate models to reduce uncertainty in future water projections. The research aims to assess the sensitivity of models to changing environmental factors, such as temperature and greenhouse gases.
A new study analyzes when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and its implications for water management. If greenhouse gas emissions continue, low-to-no-snow winters will become regular occurrences in the western U.S. in 35 to 60 years.
A new study reveals that incorporating lateral groundwater processes into forest models can significantly impact predictions of tree survival in drought conditions. By accounting for the sideways flow of water through soil, scientists can better understand how riparian forests will respond to future climate change.
A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.
Researchers found that changes to the ice sheet immediately impact the groundwater underlying the island, affecting Arctic hydrology and ocean circulation patterns. The discovery sheds new light on the importance of groundwater in responding to climate change.
Groundwater recovery time varies by region and human activity, with some areas taking up to 15 years to recharge. Excessive pumping can cause land subsidence, contaminant mobilization, and decreased water quality.
Researchers at Binghamton University used thermal imaging drones to detect coastal seeps on Easter Island, finding areas where freshwater emerges from the sea. The technology allows for high-resolution images of these sources, enabling researchers to better understand how ancient communities used them to survive.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $3.1 million in grants to develop improved water data, modeling and forecasting capabilities for water managers in western states. The selected projects will provide accurate and reliable information to support informed decision-making in a changing climate.
New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin tracked water storage in 14 major US aquifers over 15 years, finding that irrigation habits can be managed more effectively in humid regions. The study highlights the importance of surface water in replenishing groundwater, which helps dampen the impacts of irrigation.
A team of scientists from GEOMAR and the University of Malta discovered a groundwater reservoir off the coast of Malta using innovative methods. The research found evidence of an isolated freshwater body in limestone formations three kilometers from the coast, which could represent a new source of drinking water for the islands.
Scientists have reported the discovery of freshened groundwater offshore the Maltese Islands, which may constitute a new source of potable water. The study suggests that this offshore groundwater body is isolated and not actively recharged, posing sustainability concerns for its exploitation.
A new machine learning technique has been developed to assess water quality data and detect groundwater samples impacted by oil and gas production. The study concludes that hydrofracking does not necessarily incur more environmental problems than conventional drilling, although further research is needed to confirm this finding.
Anthropologists at Binghamton University have received a grant from the National Geographic Society to study ancient Rapa Nui communities' water management techniques. Their research will focus on coastal seeps and inland resources, shedding light on how past populations dealt with freshwater scarcity.
Researchers analyzed satellite imagery and groundwater data from 2015-2020, finding that current practices threaten riparian ecosystems' long-term survival. The study suggests a need for revised water management strategies to mitigate water stress and preserve these critical environments.
Researchers warn that karst aquifers are vulnerable to contamination due to fast infiltration of pollutants during rainfall events. The study highlights the risks of degradable pollutants like glyphosate exceeding safe levels by 19 times.
Researchers used seismic waves to monitor groundwater dynamics in high mountains, tracking changes in soil saturation and predicting runoff. The study provides valuable insights into the function of the vadose zone as a link between precipitation and groundwater reservoirs.
Concordia researchers report that over three-quarters of Iran's land is under extreme groundwater overdraft, primarily driven by agricultural demands. Urgent action is needed to address the growing crisis and prevent irreversible impacts on land and the environment.
Researchers found that pollutants can reach groundwater supplies quickly, posing a significant risk to drinking water quality. The study highlights the increased risk of pollution in karst regions with thin soils, such as the Mediterranean region.
Researchers found that low-to-mid latitude land surfaces cooled by an average of 5.8°C during the Last Glacial Maximum, contradicting previous estimates. The study's findings suggest a higher climate sensitivity to greenhouse gases and potentially stronger future global warming.
A recent study reveals that up to 50% of contaminants reach groundwater before degrading through focused recharge, posing a significant challenge for water and land use management. Focused recharge can lead to higher levels of pollutants in groundwater, exceeding maximum permissible concentrations in Europe.
A study by researchers in Berlin and Milan found that floods can increase bacteria concentrations in groundwater due to reduced purification capacity of bank filtration. The research highlights the importance of considering seasonal dynamics and sediment properties in risk assessment practices.
Research suggests that global warming caused a shift in the Earth's axis due to glacial melting and changes in land water storage. The study analyzed data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, finding that water loss on land contributed significantly to the eastward change in polar drift.
A new study published in Astrobiology finds that Martian meteorites contain the necessary ingredients to support microbial life, including water and radioactive elements. The researchers believe that wherever there's groundwater on Mars, there's a good chance of finding habitable environments for subsurface microbial life.
A new Stanford-led study develops a framework to calculate future floodwater volumes under climate change, identifying areas for infrastructure investments in California's aging water infrastructure. The tool aims to maximize groundwater recharge, reducing drought risks and building water reserves, while also mitigating flood risks.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between changes in Taiwan's seismicity rate and its seasonal water cycle fluctuations. Shallow earthquakes in eastern Taiwan show an opposite correlation, with peak seismicity rates occurring in either winter or summer.
University of Hawaii researchers demonstrate a new method to detect freshwater plumes using surface-towed marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) imaging. The study reveals substantial volumes of freshwater present in the ocean column, with one plume estimated to be equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
A global study led by the University of Gothenburg found that groundwater discharges are a major source of nitrogen and phosphorus to coastal waters worldwide, often exceeding river pollution at 60% of sites. This discovery highlights the importance of considering groundwater aquifers in managing coastal water quality.
A Rutgers-led study reveals the 20th century saw the fastest sea-level rise in 2,000 years along much of the US Atlantic coast. The global increase from melting ice and warming oceans was more than twice the average for the past 1800 years.
Researchers found nearly two-thirds of wells have water levels below nearest stream, indicating rivers are leaking into aquifers. The phenomenon, exacerbated by human activity, may worsen in decades, with some rivers potentially disappearing, impacting downstream communities and ecosystems.
A new study found that sea-level rise is causing wastewater to flood into coastal waters in urban Honolulu, leading to negative impacts on water quality and ecological health. The study used chemical tracers to detect groundwater discharge and wastewater, revealing that both are occurring today due to tidal influences.
A public-private partnership in Monterey/Salinas has developed a novel water recycling program using urban stormwater runoff, irrigation drainage, food processing water, and traditional municipal wastewater. The recycled water supplies one-third of all drinking water on the Monterey Peninsula while providing irrigation water for high-v...
A University of Michigan study finds that groundwater depletion could significantly impact Indian agriculture, with potential losses of up to 20% in winter cropped acreage nationwide. The researchers estimate that even partial replacement with canal irrigation may not be enough to maintain current production levels.
The developed framework captures detailed information on agricultural groundwater use at the regional scale down to individual fields. It combines data from satellite images, weather prediction models, and land-surface hydrology models to estimate water delivery to each field.
Researchers at OIST created a tiny setup with two microscopic cylinders to study fluid path selection around obstacles. The results revealed that the central gap size determines the fluid's choice between three available paths, offering insights into fluid transport in real-world systems.
A recent study led by the University of Malta discovered that groundwater flow can create large gullies along Canterbury's coastline, New Zealand, with some forming in under a week. The gullies are a significant coastal hazard, leading to agricultural land loss and posing risks to local communities.
A global assessment reveals that groundwater discharge plays a significant role in ocean chemistry, with elements like lithium and barium entering the sea from underground sources. The study suggests that groundwater inputs can account for up to 16% of river contributions to ocean chemistry.
A new analysis suggests that subsidence, the sinking of ground's surface, will impact 19% of the world's population - 21% of GDP - by 2040. The model identifies areas with high susceptibility to subsidence, particularly in Asia, where 635 million inhabitants are exposed.
A new technology that can quickly remove and destroy hazardous PFAS compounds from soil and groundwater has been developed by a team of scientists at the University of Rhode Island. The process, called XCT OxyZone, uses a combination of a sugar molecule and chemical oxidation to break down the compounds.
A recent study led by UC Santa Barbara's Marc Mayes investigates how patterns in tree water loss to the atmosphere relates to groundwater supplies. The results validate at landscape-wide scales ideas that scientists have proposed based on decades of research.
A new research group at the University of Oldenburg is studying subsurface processes on North Sea beaches with high waves and strong tides. The team aims to assess the importance of these underground habitats for coastal ecosystems and global carbon, nutrient, and trace element cycling.
A McGill University-led research team analyzed over 200,000 groundwater samples and found that current guidelines may need revision to reflect modern uses and technologies. The study suggests that existing wells already encroach on 'bases of fresh water' and brackish waters exist within current groundwater basins.
A team of scientists analyzed processes in the root zone to determine nitrogen fate. They found nearly 75% of Europe's agricultural land vulnerable to nitrate leaching during critical months. This study provides more precise information for risk management and adjusting fertiliser regimes.
A new regional model predicts uranium contamination in California's Central Valley aquifers based on calcium concentrations and soil alkalinity. The study suggests that water managers can forecast solutions by including data about soil properties when generating aquifer vulnerability maps for naturally occurring contaminants like uranium.
A new study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg reveals that Bavarian groundwater has warmed considerably over the past few decades. The findings show that groundwater temperatures at depths of 20 metres are almost one degree warmer on average than in the 1990s, correlating with a 1.05 degrees Celsius rise in air temperature.