A map showing total water storage change in cubic kilometers for 14 major aquifers over 15 years based on satellite data. A study led by The University of Texas at Austin used the data to examine how irrigation and climate influenced each aquifer’s water supply. Total water storage includes groundwater, soil water and surface water. Warm colors indicate aquifers that lost water. Cool colors are aquifers that gained water. (Graphic courtesy of Scanlon et al.)
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have created a balance sheet for water across the United States — tracking total water storage in 14 of the country’s major aquifers over 15 years.
The results were published in Environmental Research Letters on Aug. 17, with the...
