The southwestern United States faces a serious problem related to the excessive pumping of groundwater for various purposes, ranging from public supply to irrigation. agricultural.
This process has led to the depletion of natural freshwater levels in the soil, resulting in a worrying phenomenon: the earth is opening up and forming giant fissures that extend for several kilometers.
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To the massive cracks have been observed in states such as Arizona, Utah and California, especially in intermountain areas.
The consequences of this problem are significant and range from damage to houses, roads, canals and dams to crop losses.
The risks also extend to the safety of people living in such areas. In Arizona, for example, this has been monitored since 2002, indicating the persistence and severity of this issue.
(Image: Reproduction/AZGS)
Groundwater plays a crucial role as one of the main sources of fresh water on the planet, providing almost half of all global drinking water supplies and is essential for around 40% of irrigation in the world. world.
However, in the southwestern United States, overexploitation of this valuable resource has resulted in serious problems. The Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) has already mapped approximately 272 kilometers of cracks.
Joseph Cook, a researcher at AZGS, clarified that excessive extraction of groundwater from natural aquifers below the surface leads to the sinking of the earth and the formation of these cracks.
It is important to emphasize that such fissures are not a natural phenomenon, but rather a direct consequence of human intervention in the exploitation of underground water.
Recent research conducted by The New York Times performed a comprehensive analysis of water levels in thousands of locations across the United States.
The results revealed an alarming situation: the aquifers that supply approximately 90% of The country's water systems are rapidly depleting and face serious difficulties in replenishing recover.
The sustainable use and responsible management of water resources have become urgent imperatives to face this growing threat to water security. U.S.
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