Summary Points
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NASA is utilizing advanced radar technology, capable of detecting minute ground movements, to track the underground journey of snowmelt in California’s San Joaquin Valley, vital for groundwater replenishment.
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The initiative aims to provide precise data on how melting snow from the Sierra Nevada recharges groundwater, which is critical for agricultural management and water resource planning in one of America’s most productive farming regions.
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By combining satellite data with airborne radar, researchers can identify and quantify subterranean water pathways, enhancing our understanding of aquifer recharge and aiding in smarter water management strategies.
- The ongoing collaboration between NASA’s various satellite missions and local water managers seeks to bridge the gap between large-scale groundwater tracking and the localized decision-making necessary for sustainable water resource management.
NASA Uses Advanced Radar to Track Groundwater in California
Where California’s towering Sierra Nevada meet the expansive San Joaquin Valley, a significant scientific effort is underway. NASA employs advanced radar technology to understand the movement of snowmelt. This process is critical for replenishing groundwater supplies in the drought-prone region.
NASA’s aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge radar, can detect surface changes smaller than a nickel. This capability offers new insights into groundwater management, a pressing issue for California’s agricultural sectors. Local water managers now have access to precise data that informs their decisions on water use.
In late February, NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) conducted its first flight in a series planned for this year. The focus area stretches over 25 miles in the Tulare Basin, where water from melting snow is vital for farmers. “For generations, we’ve managed water without fully understanding its underground paths,” noted a Stanford University geophysicist leading the research.
The movement of water underground is largely invisible. However, as water flows beneath fields, it causes slight ground elevation changes. NASA’s radar technology measures these changes, revealing where water seeps into the earth. “We measure surface elevation changes that indicate subsurface water movement,” the UAVSAR program lead explained.
The research aims to create what experts call an “InSAR recharge signature.” By observing how these surface shifts occur over time, researchers hope to determine where groundwater replenishment happens. Previous satellite studies indicated seasonal uplifts and subsidence but failed to trace specific recharge routes. Combining satellite data with underground mapping offers clearer insights into these patterns.
California’s Central Valley produces over one-third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. The San Joaquin Valley, in particular, relies heavily on groundwater, especially during dry spells. Water managers face challenges due to declining aquifer levels, leading to restrictions on groundwater pumping. “Knowing where recharge occurs is essential for effective water management,” noted a local water management agency leader.
In years of low rainfall, targeting areas for efficient water absorption becomes imperative. Using NASA’s data, managers can direct floodwaters to regions where they enhance groundwater levels. Conversely, in wetter years, rapid utilization of water can prevent flooding while maximizing absorption.
NASA’s suite of technologies for monitoring water combines various innovative approaches. The upcoming NISAR mission, a collaboration with India’s space agency, will provide global radar data every 12 days, enhancing knowledge of groundwater movement. Additionally, the GRACE satellites track monthly changes in groundwater levels across large areas, revealing significant declines in California’s aquifers.
While these satellite resources provide valuable insights, finer-scale data from UAVSAR addresses localized water management needs. NASA’s Western Water Applications Office ensures this data remains accessible to local water managers, enhancing community-level decision-making through innovative platforms.
NASA’s efforts exemplify how science and technology can have practical benefits for communities. These advancements not only help manage California’s water resources but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the region’s vital agricultural landscape.
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