미국 지질협회(USGS)가 시행한 새 연구덕분에 수자원 관리자들이 주요 지하수자원을 수량화하고, 미네소타 주에서 장기간의 물 사용에 대한 지속가능성을 평가할 수 있게 됐다.

USGS 과학자들은 최근 미네소타주 전역에서 지난 15년간의 연간 잠재적 충전율 및 지하수의 자연 보충을 평가했다. 연구에 따르면 1996년부터 2010년까지 주 전역의 잠재적 충전율은 연간 4.9인치였으며, 보충되는 양은 서부에서 동부로 갈수록 점점 증가했다. 또한, 일반적으로 4월의 잠재 충전량이 가장 높았다.

 

 

 

With the help of new research conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, water resource managers are now able to quantify critical groundwater resources and assess the sustainability of long-term water use in the state of Minnesota.

USGS scientists recently estimated annual rates of potential recharge, or the natural replenishment of groundwater, over 15 years across Minnesota. According the study, the statewide mean annual potential recharge rate from 1996 to 2010 was 4.9 inches per year (in/yr). Recharge rates increased from west to east across the state, and April generally had the highest potential recharge.

 

Improved estimates of recharge are necessary because approximately 75 percent of drinking water and 90 percent of agricultural irrigation water in Minnesota are supplied from groundwater. "Resource managers in Minnesota can use this study to help inform water use or water conservation guidelines throughout the state," said USGS scientist and lead author of the report, Erik Smith.

 

To maintain a stable supply of groundwater, recharge rates must be high enough to compensate for water that is lost to streams, lakes and other surface-water bodies, or removed for uses such as agriculture. The scientists used data about daily precipitation, minimum and maximum daily temperatures, land cover, and soil to model Minnesota's recharge rates.

 

[출처 = Water World / 2015년 5월 18일]