18: California's Water
- Page ID
- 20352
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)California's water landscape is a dynamic mosaic shaped by the intricate interplay of geological processes, hydrological dynamics, and human interventions. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the fertile valleys of the Central Valley and the dynamic coastline along the Pacific Ocean, the state's diverse geology influences the distribution, availability, and quality of surface water and groundwater resources.
In this chapter, we embark on a journey to explore the geological underpinnings of California's water landscape, delving into the intricate relationships between geology and surface water dynamics. We will examine how geological formations, topographic features, and climatic variability interact to shape the state's hydrological patterns, from the snow-capped mountains that serve as reservoirs of freshwater to the alluvial plains that support vibrant agricultural activities.
Through exploration of California's geological diversity, we will uncover the myriad ways in which geology influences surface water resources, including river systems, estuarine environments, and coastal zones. We will examine the geological factors that contribute to the state's susceptibility to drought, floods, and climate change, as well as the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, urbanization, and land development.
As we navigate the complexities of California's water landscape, we will also highlight the importance of embracing sustainable water management practices, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the state's varying geology and water resources. By understanding the geological influences on surface water dynamics and integrating this knowledge into water management strategies and land use planning, we can work towards ensuring the resilience, sustainability, and equitable management of California's precious water resources for generations to come.
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
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Diagram the hydrologic cycle and explain the roles of pools and fluxes.
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Explain the role of drainage basins in the collection and transport of water in the state of California.
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Describe the locations and characteristics of California's major aquifer systems.
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Explain the role of groundwater in meeting California's water needs and identify issues that results from overuse.
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List examples of California's water infrastructure and explain how and why this infrastructure alters the distribution and availability of water.
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Describe the effects of human impacts, including climate change, agricultural irrigation, and urbanization on water availability in California.
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Identify several key water quality issues in California and their causes.
- 18.1: The Hydrologic Cycle
- The hydrosphere, the vast domain of Earth comprised of water, plays a fundamental role in shaping California's diverse geology and ecosystems. From its towering mountain ranges to its arid deserts and sprawling coastlines, California's geology is intimately intertwined with the movement and distribution of water. At the heart of California's hydrology lies the hydrologic cycle, a continuous process through which water moves between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and underground reservoirs.
- 18.2: Running Water
- In California, precipitation plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's water resources and hydrological cycle. Precipitation refers to any form of water—such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail—that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. In California, the amount, timing, and distribution of precipitation are crucial factors that influence water availability, ecosystem health, and human activities.
- 18.3: Groundwater
- The state of California boasts a complex hydrogeological framework influenced by diverse geological formations, climatic conditions, and topographic features. Within this framework, groundwater emerges as a pivotal component, crucial for sustaining various sectors including agriculture, industry, and municipal water supplies.
- 18.4: Water Infrastructure and Management
- California’s water infrastructure includes dams and reservoirs for storing water and aqueducts and levees for transporting water. Storing and transporting water in the state is a collaborative effort between federal, state, and private entities as well as projects like the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the California State Water Project (CSWP).
- 18.5: Threats to California’s Water
- Both surface water and groundwater naturally contain a variety of dissolved and solid materials. Dissolved substances can be carried in rainfall or derived from the chemical weathering of rocks within a drainage basin. This demonstrates that sediments, geochemistry, and overall geology significantly impact water quality throughout California.
- 18.6: Understanding California's Water Landscape
- California's water landscape is a complex tapestry woven from the intricate interplay of geological forces, hydrological processes, and human activities. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the fertile valleys of the Central Valley and the dynamic coastline along the Pacific Ocean, the state's diverse geology shapes the distribution, availability, and quality of surface water resources.
- 18.7: Chapter Summary
- A summary of highlights from the chapter.
Thumbnail: Groundwater basics on Napa County, California is in the public domain. View a detailed description of this image.