Researchers find huge aquifer hidden atop Oregon’s Cascade Range – The Seattle Times

Aquifer Discovery in Central Oregon Cascades

A massive aquifer has been discovered just beneath volcanic rocks at the crest of the central Oregon Cascades, potentially making it the largest aquifer of its kind in the U.S. This discovery, made by researchers at the University of Oregon, has significant implications for water users in the region, especially considering the increasing frequency of droughts, extreme weather events, and limited water availability.

Size and Significance of the Aquifer

According to a study published on January 13, at least 81 cubic kilometers of active groundwater is currently stored at the Cascade Range crest near the Santiam Pass. This volume is more than four times the capacity of Crater Lake, which holds approximately 18.7 cubic kilometers of water. The aquifer can be compared to a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, functioning like a large water tower.

While similar large volcanic aquifers exist north of the Columbia Gorge and near Mount Shasta, the Cascade Range aquifer appears to be the largest one mapped thus far.

Discovery Process

Although scientists were aware that the mountains in Oregon held water, the exact volume was uncertain. The University of Oregon team, in collaboration with scientists from other universities, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey, embarked on a study to better understand how water moves through the volcanic landscape. During this process, they discovered the massive aquifer beneath the rocks.

By analyzing deep drill holes that were originally dug in the 1980s and 1990s for geothermal energy exploration, the scientists were able to infer the depth of groundwater infiltration through cracks in the volcanic rocks, allowing them to estimate the volume of the underground reservoir. However, due to the limited coverage of the drill holes, it is possible that the aquifer’s size is even larger than currently measured.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The discovery of this vast aquifer aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The aquifer represents a significant water resource that can contribute to ensuring clean water availability in the region.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – As climate change impacts water availability, the aquifer’s existence highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of reduced snowpack and rainfall.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – The aquifer’s presence has implications for the ecosystem and biodiversity in the area, as it can support various plant and animal species dependent on water resources.

However, it is important to note that the aquifer’s longevity and resilience to change depend on the availability of recharging waters. With the forecasted rapid decrease in snowpack in the Cascades in the coming decades, the aquifer’s sustainability remains uncertain.

Volcanic Hazards and Future Considerations

The findings of this study also indicate potential volcanic hazards in the area. When magma interacts with a significant amount of water, it often leads to explosive eruptions. Therefore, further research and monitoring are necessary to understand and mitigate these risks.

Overall, the discovery of this massive aquifer in the central Oregon Cascades has significant implications for water management, climate resilience, and volcanic hazard assessment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need to address the challenges posed by climate change.

About the Author

Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition, and other environmental issues. She can be reached at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the discovery of a massive aquifer in the central Oregon Cascades, which has implications for water availability in the region due to drought and extreme weather. This connects to SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Additionally, the article mentions the aquifer’s dependence on a good snowpack, which is forecasted to decrease in the Cascades, highlighting the connection to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

The article’s content suggests that the discovery of the aquifer could potentially address water scarcity issues in the region, aligning with SDG 6.4. The aquifer’s presence also highlights the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, such as drought and extreme weather, as mentioned in SDG 13.1.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time.
• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, potential indicators can be inferred. Indicator 6.4.1 measures the change in water-use efficiency over time, which can be used to assess progress towards ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater. Indicator 13.1.1 measures the impact of climate-related hazards and natural disasters on human lives and can be used to track progress in strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: seattletimes.com