Effects of Climate Change on Edwards Aquifer - Paper Example

The Edwards Aquifer is an underground permeable, honeycomb-like, water-bearing rock with a thickness of between 300-700 feet. The aquifer is located in the San Antonio area on the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau in the state of Texas. Hydrologists estimate that the Aquifer began forming 100 million years ago and underwent significant changes to become what it is today. The segment of the Aquifer that covers the San Antonio area stretches for a 160 mile from Brackettville to near Kyle in the northeast. It is within the San Antonio segment that harbors most of the major natural springs of the aquifer. As such, much of the water from this area is used by humans. The water catchment area extends up to about 8, 000 miles in south-central Texas and neighboring areas. Besides, the aquifer has several zones that collect rainwater and channels it into the ground. This region has acted as a source of water for inhabitants of the region for more than 12 thousand years. Today, at least 2 million people rely on the region for the supply of water for drinking as well as for industrial and agricultural purposes (Eckhardt, 2017; Edwards Aquifer Authority, 2017).

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Like other regions in the world, recent developments in climatic conditions in the US has prompted a refocus on the issues affecting the Aquifers ability to sustain its provision of water to the residents of Texas and beyond. Climate change affects long-standing weather patterns which, in turn, disrupt the normal patterns of water availability to humans. Climate change is characterized by increases in ocean temperatures, global average air, global average sea level, and extensive melting of snow. In context, such climatic changes are likely to be accompanied with hot extremes, heavy precipitation, and extreme heat waves (Mace & Wade, 2008).These conditions have a huge implication on water availability in the Edwards Aquifer.

Extreme climatic conditions lead a shift in water demand and availability. Studies conducted by Chen (2000) relating to water supply patterns in Texas found that changes in climatic conditions lead to reduced water resource availability and rise in demand. The change in climatic conditions affects the recharge and discharge of water from the aquifer. Since water recharge is done through pumping and artesian springs, extreme temperatures not only lead to an increase in demand for water to meet military, agricultural, recreational, and municipal requirements of the state but also affect the five recharge zones that rely on runoffs and springs (Mace & Wade, 2008). As a result, such effects are replicated in the entire cycle, an eventuality that is likely to be manifested in water shortages in the region.

For Edwards Aquifer to sustain its water supply, factors that influence the state of the underground water, runoffs and evaporation should remain relatively constant. However, studies have shown that extreme temperatures are altering these dynamics across Texas and other parts of the United States. Citing earlier studies, Mace and Wade (2008) document that projections for the state of Texas show that there will be a 2.5-3.50C rise in surface temperature in the period beginning 2090-2099.Additionally, the mean annual runoff in Texas is projected to decrease by 10 to 30 % by 2050 though scientific projections suggest the increase will have a negligible effect on the southern parts of the state. These enhanced rates of temperatures in the region are likely to affect the withdrawals and recharge of the aquifer in the long-term.

Runoff

SpringsRecharge Zones

Water for drinking purposes

EvaporationEdwards Aquifer water industrial use

Precipitation water for agricultural use

Underground water

Ground water is an integral part of the cycle as it allows constant and smooth supply of water for surface purposes. Groundwater flows are affected by withdrawals and recharge. Temperatures, surface water interactions, and precipitation play a significant role in determining the level of ground water. The levels of water in the aquifer respond to the changes in precipitation, temperature, and pumping (Parry, 2007). Studies project a significant reduction in mean annual groundwater and spring flow from 2011 to 2050(US Fish and Wildlife, 2012).This downward trend suggests a possibility of strain on the water supply systems across the Texas. Although numerous studies show that there is little effect of precipitation on the water levels, enhanced temperatures in the regions of the aquifer are likely to increase the rate of water loss through evaporation and may also lead to reductions in spring flows and a decrease in soil moisture.

Reductions in spring flows and soil moisture are likely to affect the economy of Texas in many ways. Recreational faculties and agriculture are important aspects of the Texas economy that is likely to be affected by the aftermath of climate change. A reduction in soil moisture means that future soils are likely to have different infiltration properties from the current soil configuration (Chen, 2000; Mace & Wade, 2008).Such threats are likely to translate into problematic crop diseases and pests for farmers. Further, the economy is likely to be affected due to a reduction in productivity. Climate scientists project that 4500 more Texans will die from heat-related illnesses dues to enhanced temperatures (Parker, 2015).These consequences could worsen the situation in central Texas due to the interrelatedness of economic activities in the state, and that of the areas surrounding Edwards Aquifer.

References

Chen, C. C., Gillig, D., & McCarl, B. A. (2001). Effects of Climatic Change on a Water Dependent Regional Economy:A Study of the Texas Edwards Aquifer. Climate Change, 49(1), 397-409.

Eckhardt, G. (2017). Introduction to the Edwards Aquifer. Retrieved from http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/

Edwards Aquifer Authority. (2017). History of the Aquifer. Retrieved from http://www.edwardsaquifer.org/aquifer_education/about-the-aquifer/

Mace, R. E., & Wade, S. C. (2008). In hot water? How climate change may (or may not) affect the groundwater re- sources of Texas:. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions,, 58(1), 655-668. Retrieved from http://www.eahcp.org/documents/2002_MaceWade_ClimateChangeTexasGroundwater.pdf

Parker, A. (2015). Climate Change Could Devastate the Texas Economy. The Huffington Post [Washington].

Parry, M. L. (2007). Impacts, adaptation and vulnerability: Contribution of Working Group II to the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2012). Draft environmental impact statement: Edwards Aquifer recovery implementation program, habitat conservation plan. Austin, TX: Author.