Record snowfall and rainfall in California this year have created a unique opportunity to recharge the state's groundwater supplies. To help with this effort, California is turning to Nebraska, which has pioneered the use of airborne electromagnetics to identify optimal sites for long-term groundwater storage.
Airborne electromagnetics is a technology that uses electromagnetic signaling to image subsurface conditions and create 3D geological models. This information can be used to identify aquifers and other geological features that are suitable for water storage.
Nebraska has been using airborne electromagnetics for aquifer mapping since 2007. The state's Conservation and Survey Division, the natural resource survey component of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's School of Natural Resources, has played a key role in this work.
Jesse Korus, an associate professor in the School of Natural Resources and groundwater geologist in the Conservation and Survey Division, has done extensive scientific work for the Nebraska aquifer surveys. He is also a member of the California Department of Water Resources Airborne Electromagnetics Technical Advisory Committee.
Korus has been helping California officials to understand how to best use airborne electromagnetics to identify potential groundwater storage sites. He has also been advising them on how to distribute the geological data to relevant stakeholders.
California has benefited from the years of experience that Nebraska and some other states have had with airborne electromagnetics. As a result, the state has been able to quickly identify and implement groundwater recharge strategies.
Nebraska's expertise in airborne electromagnetics is helping California to make better use of its water resources and to prepare for future droughts.
Photo Credit: environmental-protection-agency
Categories: Nebraska, General, Weather