The global reserve of underground Earth aquifers freshwater is diminishing, with nearly one-third of aquifers experiencing an accelerated loss over the past couple of decades, according to researchers in the January 25 edition of Nature.
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Earth aquifers
A combination of unsustainable extraction of groundwater and climate change has led to a worldwide decline in water levels, resulting in shortages, subsiding land surfaces, and seawater infiltrating aquifers. The study indicates that the depletion of groundwater has intensified in various regions since 2000, yet suggests that these losses can be reversed through improved water management.
This study represents the first attempt to synthesize on-site data on a global scale, rather than relying on satellite assessments. While previous analyses used data from NASA’s GRACE satellites to quantify global groundwater loss, the researchers argue that satellites may not capture the nuances of water dynamics in regional aquifers. To overcome this limitation, hydrologist Scott Jasechko of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his colleagues analyzed water level data from approximately 170,000 monitoring wells worldwide, providing insights into nearly 1,700 major aquifer systems.
The research team used this well data to pinpoint areas where groundwater loss was rapidly accelerating. In 12% of the studied aquifers, water levels are decreasing by over half a meter annually, while 36% are experiencing a yearly drop of one-tenth of a meter. The most significant declines were observed in some of the world’s driest regions, including central Chile, Iran, and the western United States.
Despite these alarming trends, the researchers note signs of optimism. In certain areas, groundwater levels have rebounded over the past two decades, even after declining in the late 20th century. These recoveries are attributed to changes in regional water management practices. For instance, regulatory measures in Thailand’s Bangkok basin, such as fees on groundwater pumping and well licensing, led to a reversal of groundwater losses. Similarly, the Abbas-e Sharghi basin in Iran is recovering as water was redirected from a large dam in the western part of the country.
The study concludes that long-term groundwater losses are not universally inevitable. These findings are crucial for reconciling disparities between GRACE satellite data and local groundwater observations, a longstanding challenge in water management. By pinpointing areas requiring urgent attention, the study aids in identifying regions most at risk of involuntary human migration due to water shortages. This information can inform timely policy interventions, particularly in cross-border aquifers that may heighten the risk of armed conflicts.
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