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science22h ago
Scientists Finally Figured Out How Much Groundwater There Is Under the US and It Is Enough to Fill the Great Lakes 13 Times Over
- A new high-resolution groundwater map for the contiguous United States estimates a total of about 306,500 cubic kilometers.
- The study uses 1 million data points and a machine learning model to improve spatial resolution to 30 meters.
- At 30 meters, the map includes groundwater down to 392 meters, the deepest reliable porosity data used in the study.
- The map reveals about 40% of the U.S. land area has a water table depth shallower than 10 meters.
- The researchers combined direct well measurements with satellite data to train their model.
- Satellite data from missions like NASA's GRACE helped provide broader context for groundwater movement.
- The study shows how high-resolution data can influence regional water management and irrigation decisions.
- Experts note the map offers new insights into groundwater sources and plant–land surface interactions.
- The research underscores groundwater as a pervasive, often overlooked water resource.
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