Articles tagged with Groundwater
Researchers analyzed public data to determine the sources and occurrence rate of methane in groundwater. The majority of dissolved methane was found to be microbially-generated, rather than high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
A new study reveals that California's drought-stricken Central Valley harbors three times more groundwater than previously estimated. The researchers found approximately 2,700 cubic kilometers of usable water, which is almost triple the state's current estimates.
Two giant sinkholes near Wink, Texas, are experiencing subsidence and expansion, suggesting an increased risk of collapse. Groundwater levels and dissolving minerals underlie the area's unstable ground, which is linked to changing groundwater levels and successive roof failures in underlying cavities.
A Duke University study found coal ash ponds in five Southeastern US states consistently contaminate nearby surface waters and groundwater with toxic heavy metals. The study also suggests that removing the ponds may not be enough to address ongoing subsurface contamination.
A new computer algorithm enables scientists to use satellite data to determine groundwater levels across larger areas than ever before. The technique, developed at Stanford University, could lead to better models of groundwater flow and monitoring in agricultural regions. The team was able to calculate surface deformations and groundwa...
A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin comes from groundwater, with an average of 56% originating from this source. This finding has significant implications for water management and highlights the need to consider both groundwater and surface water as a joint resource.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that groundwater extraction contributes about three times less to sea level rise than previously estimated, with an accurate figure of around 80%. This revised estimate suggests that other processes may be contributing more water to sea level rise, widening the gap between modeled ...
Research from the University of Texas at Arlington reveals that groundwater quality in the Permian Basin changes significantly during and after hydraulic fracturing expansion. The study detected chlorinated solvents, alcohols, and aromatic compounds in private water well samples, as well as large fluctuations in pH and total organic ca...
A new test has been developed to identify shale gas hazard in groundwater by fingerprinting methane gas with unique natural gas signatures. This will enable responsible exploration and extraction practices, addressing public concerns over water contamination.
Researchers have discovered a chemical method to immobilize uranium in contaminated groundwater, which could lead to more precise water remediation efforts. The technique involves adding specific amounts of phosphate to form a calcium phosphate barrier that traps uranium, rendering it inert.
Rising river waters deliver a feast of carbon to hungry microbes, triggering increased activity that could naturally boost emissions. The study suggests a link between the mixing of surface water and groundwater, leading to a decline in dissolved organic carbon and an increase in inorganic carbon.
A new study shows that storing extra surface water in underground aquifers can increase groundwater supply during droughts. Regions that actively store surface water have seen increased groundwater levels, even as surrounding areas depleted theirs.
The NAI Conference featured presentations on the importance of invention in academic institutions and its impact on everyday life. The Special Section includes articles on the discovery of Lyrica and the commercialization process, while a new T&I feature profiles Nobel Laureate Steven Chu.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that saline groundwater from coastal aquifers is a viable alternative to seawater for reverse osmosis desalination. The research revealed reduced membrane fouling and lower pre-treatment costs, making it a more efficient option.
Climate models predict wet regions will become wetter and dry regions drier; western US aquifers expected to see slight-to-significant decreases in recharge as climate warms. The team's research integrates scientists' knowledge with scientific models to predict groundwater changes.
Recent analysis suggests that groundwater storage has contributed up to 22% to slowing sea level rise, with climate-driven changes in precipitation playing the key role. Human-induced factors like reservoir filling and water pumping have also affected land storage capacity, although to a lesser extent.
A Yale-led research team develops a pricing framework for natural capital assets, including groundwater, forests, and fish populations. The study finds that the Kansas High Plains' groundwater aquifer lost $1.1 billion in value between 1996 and 2005 due to over-extraction and poor management.
Arizona State University researchers develop an equation to estimate monetary value of natural resources like groundwater and forests, accounting for ecosystem changes and human behavior. The framework enables valuation of natural capital on a balance sheet with traditional assets, guiding sustainable use.
Researchers at KIT have developed a method to estimate groundwater temperature from surface temperatures and building densities measured by satellites, revealing that 95% of areas studied had higher groundwater temperatures than surface temperatures. This discovery opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy production in cities.
New research shows that groundwater beneath northern Iceland may hold the key to predicting future earthquakes, while parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are more susceptible to droughts than previously thought. Additionally, researchers have a plan to recharge California's dwindling aquifers using storm runoff.
Scientists are mapping glaciers and wetlands in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range with high-altitude drones, collecting data on glacier melt and groundwater storage. The study provides a template for research teams investigating water security in other areas of the world.
A new study found that tropical groundwater is replenished disproportionately from heavy rainfalls, making it a climate-resilient source of freshwater. The long-term viability of these resources relies on the replenishment of groundwater supplies.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that reducing cropland to below 60% or restoring wetlands to above 6% can bring about significant improvements to surface water quality. Small tweaks to landscape composition may also enhance freshwater benefits in urban areas by adding rain gardens or parks.
A Kansas State University study found that the High Plains Aquifer's groundwater depletion peaked in 2006 and is expected to decrease by 50% over the next 100 years. Researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 wells and developed a logistic equation to project future water levels through 2110.
Scientists estimate nearly 23 million cubic kilometres of total groundwater, with most modern groundwater found in tropical and mountain regions. The study highlights the need to manage this precious resource sustainably due to increasing demand and climate change.
Researchers used new water-tracing technology to determine how groundwater moves in the Sydney Basin, identifying four distinctive layers of rock that control groundwater movement. The study provides a baseline for assessing future impacts from mining operations, climate change, and groundwater abstraction.
Researchers found that too-pure recycled water can pick up arsenic as it seeps underground, causing temporary spikes in levels. The water's lack of calcium and magnesium ions allows arsenic to be repelled from clay particles, entering the water instead.
Researchers in California found that melting snow can produce highly variable results in underground water levels. The study used a network of moisture sensors to measure soil moisture and relate it to snow depth, finding that different sensor locations and tree cover conditions led to varying wetting and drying dynamics.
Researchers found a strong association between helium and groundwater, suggesting that large volumes of helium are being transported into natural gas fields. This discovery indicates that the existing helium reserves may be greater than initially thought.
Nearly 2 million Americans live near wells exceeding EPA's uranium guideline; nitrate mobilizes uranium through bacterial and chemical reactions. High Plains aquifer contains concentrations up to 89 times the EPA standard.
A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...
A third of the world's biggest groundwater basins are under stress, with many running out quickly without reliable data. The studies found major discrepancies in projected 'time to depletion' and highlighted the need for a coordinated global effort to determine remaining water reserves.
A new study by USGS researcher R.T. Hanson reveals that California's Santa Clara Valley has recovered its water levels and halted land subsidence through targeted groundwater recharge. This innovative approach, combined with the management of urbanization and industrialization, has helped to preserve the valley's hydrological framework.
A multi-institutional team has discovered that statistical analysis of DNA from natural microbial communities can accurately identify environmental contaminants. The study, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, found that changes in microbial community structure persist long after contaminants are undetectable.
Researchers have discovered rare spring deposits and playa formations on Mars that point to the presence of a hydrological cycle and groundwater upwelling. These findings support the idea that conditions on Mars could have been conducive to microbial colonization.
A new study calculates the magnitude of submarine groundwater discharge into the Mediterranean Sea, revealing it can add as much nutrients as rivers. The annual volume of SGD ranges from 30 to 500 billion cubic meters, with a median nutrient flux comparable to atmospheric deposition and riverine runoff.
Researchers found high concentrations of dimethylarsinate (DMA) in southern Willamette Valley aquifers, correlating with overall arsenite levels. The study suggests that monitoring organic arsenic is crucial for treating arsenic-contaminated water.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research found that water is the biggest factor affecting corn silage quality in the region. Irrigation levels between 65-75% of evapotranspiration resulted in decreased yield and quality.
Researchers estimate that only one-fifth of terrestrial rainfall enters the ocean through overland channels, while a vast amount flows directly from the ocean. A subterranean estuary, which Moore has termed, plays a crucial role in exchanging water and nutrients between the ocean and land.
A recent experiment releasing water down the Colorado River resulted in a 40% increase in vegetation, reversing a 13-year decline. The study used Landsat 8 satellite data to track plant responses to the pulse of water.
The new Science Across Virtual Institutes project will create a shared platform for broader research at the nation's 10 CZO locations and international counterparts. This will enable scientists to establish common experiments and measurements, providing training for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
Researchers found that groundwater temperatures have warmed significantly over the past forty years, echoing global warming trends. The warming is attributed to climate change and has been observed in groundwater close to the surface, with a certain time lag.
Researchers found that isolated patches of soggy soil act as hot spots for microbial activity, removing nitrogen from groundwater and returning it to the atmosphere. This process can improve water quality but also reduces forest productivity.
A University of Cincinnati research project is tracking methane levels in private wells and springs before, during and after fracking in the Utica Shale region. The study's findings indicate that organic matter is the primary source of methane in groundwater wells, with relatively low levels detected.
Researchers found that microbial activity increases with mineral deposits on sand particles in rapid sand filters, removing impurities like iron and ammonia. The study refutes the conventional assumption that minerals interfere with microbial colonization, suggesting potential improvements in drinking water production.
Researchers found that small gasoline spills at gas stations can cumulatively harm soil and groundwater in residential areas, potentially impacting the health of those who use wells as a water source. The study suggests that these spills may be a larger issue than previously thought due to their frequency and cumulative effect.
A new study links groundwater availability to human evolution, proposing that springs fed by freshwater could have sustained life during extremely dry periods. The research suggests that access to groundwater may have been crucial for hominin survival and dispersal.
Researchers at MIT have developed a solar-powered desalination system that can provide clean drinking water to villages in India. The system, which uses electrodialysis technology, is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than traditional reverse-osmosis systems.
Researchers discovered microbial communities within oil droplets, degrading oil and reducing its quality. This finding could pave the way for new approaches to clean up contaminated groundwater.
A new study by UCI and NASA scientists reveals that more than three-quarters of the water loss in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin since late 2004 came from underground resources. The extent of groundwater loss may pose a greater threat to the region's water supply than previously thought.
Researchers calculate that the eastern, Jordanian side of the Dead Sea will experience a dramatic reduction in natural replenishment rate of groundwater if precipitation lowers as predicted. This could lead to shortages in water resources, affecting not only agriculture but also the growing population, with serious social and economic ...
Researchers have found that groundwater reservoirs are being depleted at an increasing rate worldwide. A study by Prof. Petra Döll found that the rate of depletion is not as high as previously estimated, but still poses a significant threat to ecosystems and water resources.
Scientists found that fracking fluids can dislodge tiny particles in soil, attracting heavy metals and other chemicals that could harm people and animals. The study's findings suggest that flowback fluids from fracking operations could contaminate groundwater with a third of the colloids present.
A recent study published in Nature found that draining of the aquifer for agricultural irrigation in California's Central Valley results in upward flexing of the earth's surface and surrounding mountains. The research also correlates with seismic activity on the San Andreas Fault.
A study published in Surveys in Geophysics found that the hydrological model WaterGAP underestimates seasonal continental water storage fluctuations and fails to retain rainwater for a long time. The researchers used GPS observations and GRACE satellite data to identify shortcomings in the model.
A new paper proposes banning lead shot in Olympic shooting events to prevent wildlife poisoning and health threats to surface and groundwater. Non-toxic substitutes like steel shot have been available for two decades.
Researchers suggest that megafloods created the unique amphitheater-headed canyons in Idaho and on Mars, replacing traditional theories of groundwater sapping. The team analyzed rock samples and scour marks to support their claims, pointing to much larger water discharges and shorter flow durations.
Researchers found that nitrogen fertilizer applied to crops in 1982 still lingers in soil organic matter three decades later, releasing nitrate into groundwater over several decades. This persistence poses a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies worldwide.
Researchers have found that tungsten is leached from sediment into groundwater based on pH and oxygen levels. The study suggests that iron oxide particles play a key role in regulating tungsten concentrations in groundwater, with higher pH levels leading to more tungsten entering the water.
A University of Cincinnati study analyzes 25 groundwater wells for methane and hydrocarbons, shedding light on fracking's effects. The research aims to establish baseline assessments as fracking begins in the region.