Competition for water resources is growing throughout California, particularly in the Central Valley. The Central Valley's population is expected to increase to 6 million by 2020. This population growth, along with anticipated reductions in Colorado River water deliveries, drought, and the ecological crisis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, have created an intense demand for water. The following information provided by the USGS is helping to manage the water resouces of Central Valley.
Water Use & Availability
Central Valley Groundwater Availability
The depletion of groundwater at a variety of scales and the compounding effects of recent droughts have emphasized the need for an updated status on the availability of the Central Valley's groundwater resources.
Water Use & Climate Change in the Central Valley
Insights into effects of climate variability and climate change on water-resource management can be provided by observationally informed modeling and conjunctive-use analyses.
Hydrogeologic Characterization of the Modesto Area Groundwater Basin
To aid in the evaluation of water management strategies, the U.S. Geological Survey and the STRGBA are developing a simulation/optimization model that consists of a transient model of ground-water flow coupled with optimization tools.
The presentations covered a range of topics from hydrologic conditions within the Northeastern San Joaquin Groundwater Subbasin including water chemistry and groundwater recharge, to groundwater flow modeling and land subsidence.
Land Subsidence Studies
Land Subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley
Subsidence has been a major concern in the Central Valley since the 1950s. With agriculture and growing populations putting increased demands on the Valley's groundwater supply, subsidence must be monitored closely.
Delta-Mendota Canal: Evaluation of Groundwater Conditions & Land Subsidence
Increased groundwater pumping in the San Joaquin Valley has renewed aquifer compaction, resulting in land subsidence that is causing structural damage, and reduction in the freeboard and flow capacity of the Delta-Mendota Canal.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Central Valley Hydrologic Model (CVHM)
Delta-Mendota Canal: Using Groundwater Modeling to Analyze Land Subsidence
Delta-Mendota Canal: Evaluation of Groundwater Conditions and Land Subsidence
Land Subsidence Along the California Aqueduct
Land Subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley
California's Central Valley
- Overview
Competition for water resources is growing throughout California, particularly in the Central Valley. The Central Valley's population is expected to increase to 6 million by 2020. This population growth, along with anticipated reductions in Colorado River water deliveries, drought, and the ecological crisis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, have created an intense demand for water. The following information provided by the USGS is helping to manage the water resouces of Central Valley.
Water Use & Availability
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Map of USGS Groundwater Resources Program regional scale groundwater study areas. Central Valley Groundwater Availability
The depletion of groundwater at a variety of scales and the compounding effects of recent droughts have emphasized the need for an updated status on the availability of the Central Valley's groundwater resources.
Water Use & Climate Change in the Central Valley
Insights into effects of climate variability and climate change on water-resource management can be provided by observationally informed modeling and conjunctive-use analyses.
Hydrogeologic Characterization of the Modesto Area Groundwater Basin
To aid in the evaluation of water management strategies, the U.S. Geological Survey and the STRGBA are developing a simulation/optimization model that consists of a transient model of ground-water flow coupled with optimization tools.
The presentations covered a range of topics from hydrologic conditions within the Northeastern San Joaquin Groundwater Subbasin including water chemistry and groundwater recharge, to groundwater flow modeling and land subsidence.
Land Subsidence Studies
Land Subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley
Subsidence has been a major concern in the Central Valley since the 1950s. With agriculture and growing populations putting increased demands on the Valley's groundwater supply, subsidence must be monitored closely.
Delta-Mendota Canal: Evaluation of Groundwater Conditions & Land Subsidence
Increased groundwater pumping in the San Joaquin Valley has renewed aquifer compaction, resulting in land subsidence that is causing structural damage, and reduction in the freeboard and flow capacity of the Delta-Mendota Canal.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Central Valley Hydrologic Model (CVHM)
In an effort to aid water managers in understanding how water moves through the aquifer system, predicting water-supply scenarios, and addressing issues related to water competition, the USGS developed a new hydrologic modeling tool, the Central Valley Hydrologic Model (CVHM). The CVHM is an extensive, detailed three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the hydrologic system of the Central Valley...Delta-Mendota Canal: Using Groundwater Modeling to Analyze Land Subsidence
A numerical modeling approach was used to quantify groundwater conditions and land subsidence spatially along the Delta-Mendota Canal. In addition, selected management alternatives for controlling land subsidence were evaluated.Delta-Mendota Canal: Evaluation of Groundwater Conditions and Land Subsidence
In areas adjacent to the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC), extensive groundwater withdrawal from the San Joaquin Valley aquifer system has caused areas of the ground to sink as much as 10 feet, a process known as land subsidence. This could result in serious operational and structural issues for the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC). In response, the USGS is studying and providing information on groundwater...Land Subsidence Along the California Aqueduct
Subsidence is a global problem and, in the United States, more than 17,000 square miles in 45 States, an area roughly the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined, have been directly affected by subsidence. More than 80 percent of the identified subsidence in the United States is a consequence of human impact on subsurface water.Land Subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation. Beginning around the 1920's, farmers relied upon groundwater for water supply. Over time, overpumping caused groundwater-level declines and associated aquifer-system compaction and land subsidence that resulted in permanent aquifer-system storage loss.California's Central Valley
Competition for water resources is growing throughout California, particularly in the Central Valley. Statewide population growth, anticipated reductions in Colorado River water deliveries, drought, and the ecological crisis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have created an intense demand for water. USGS Tools and information can be used to help manage the Central Valley aquifer system, an... - Data
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