18: California's Water
- Page ID
- 20352
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Introduction to California's Water
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.
In this chapter, we 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:
- Diagram the hydrologic cycle and explain the roles of pools and fluxes.
- Explain the role of drainage basins in the collection and transport of water in the state of California.
- Describe the locations and characteristics of California's major aquifer systems.
- Explain the role of groundwater in meeting California's water needs and identify issues that results from overuse.
- List examples of California's water infrastructure and explain how and why this infrastructure alters the distribution and availability of water.
- Describe the effects of human impacts, including climate change, agricultural irrigation, and urbanization on water availability in California.
- Identify several key water quality issues in California and their causes.
- 18.1: The Hydrologic Cycle
- This page highlights the hydrosphere's crucial role in California's geology and ecosystems through the hydrologic cycle, which encompasses evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and transpiration. It emphasizes the interaction between water reservoirs and movement processes that affect water availability and quality.
- 18.2: Running Water
- This page explores California's complex hydrology, highlighting the role of running water in shaping landscapes through erosion and sediment deposition. It addresses diverse regional challenges in water management, emphasizing agriculture's significant water consumption and groundwater overdraft risks. The discussion includes pressing environmental issues like the shrinking Salton Sea, innovative conservation programs, and the management of the Colorado River.
- 18.3: Groundwater
- This page covers California's hydrogeology, emphasizing groundwater's critical role in agriculture, industry, and public supply. It details aquifer types, including confined and unconfined, their water movement, and the challenges of over-extraction and drought. Specific aquifer systems, like those in the Coastal Basin and Central Valley, face unique issues such as saltwater intrusion and excessive extraction.
- 18.4: Water Infrastructure and Management
- This page provides an overview of California's water management systems, highlighting the roles of dams, reservoirs, aqueducts, and levees. It addresses the importance of these infrastructures for storage, flood control, and water transport, especially in drought-prone areas, while noting challenges like aging structures, sedimentation, and environmental impacts.
- 18.5: Threats to California’s Water
- This page highlights California's water quality management issues stemming from natural processes and human activities, such as agricultural runoff and pollutants like PFAS. Key concerns include saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers due to groundwater over-extraction and climate change impacts, leading to land subsidence and increased salinization risks. Additionally, flooding risks are rising from urbanization and poor drainage.
- 18.6: Understanding California's Water Landscape
- This page discusses California's water landscape, emphasizing the influence of geology, hydrology, and human activity. Key regions include the Sierra Nevada, crucial for water supply, and the Central Valley for agriculture. Coastal areas support varied ecosystems. Current challenges involve drought, flooding, climate change, and infrastructure issues, highlighting the need for sustainable water management.
- 18.7: Chapter Summary
- A summary of highlights from the chapter.
- 18.8: Detailed Figure Descriptions
- Descriptions of complex images within this chapter, as well as additional guidance for users who have difficulty seeing and interpreting images.
Thumbnail: "Groundwater basics on Napa County, California" is in the public domain. View a detailed description of this image.