S.-Y. Simon Wang

AMS Journal of Hydrometeorology

Published date March 2, 2016

Indications for Protracted Groundwater Depletion after Drought over the Central Valley of California

  • Presents evidence that, since the beginning of the twenty-first century, groundwater levels in the Central Valley have tended to decline not only in response to drought conditions of the same year but also in the following year
  • States that the accelerated depletion in groundwater is, undeniably, linked to increased withdrawal and the drilling boom since 2014 is yet another compelling piece of evidence
  • Suggests that, even in the face of some drought recovery, groundwater depletion in the Central Valley will likely continue into late 2016, resulting in further reduction in groundwater level