Texas Suffers From Decline in Groundwater Resources, Dry Springs That Could Impact Ecosystem

Researchers unearthed that springs and groundwater resources in Texas suffered from a water decline that can significantly impact water supplies and ecosystems.

Drought conditions and climate change effects have impacted communities and water supplies due to a lack of rainfall and intense heat. The decline of groundwater resources is bad news for wildlife and human populations.

In addition, climate change is a factor that could exacerbate weather conditions, causing severe to extreme droughts, wildfires, storms, and hurricanes.

As a result, understanding the groundwater supplies and drying up of Texas Spring is crucial to developing mitigation efforts and preventing potential impacts on water security.

Drying Springs and the Decline of Groundwater Resources

To understand the drying springs in Texas, researchers conducted a study using satellite imagery, historical data, historical maps, and fieldwork. The methods will help researchers examine the dry conditions impacting springs. The research, "Major and Historical Springs of Texas," and his subsequent 1981 book, "The Springs of Texas, Volume 1, can provide new insights into the declining groundwater resources.

"For the first time in nearly half a century, we looked at the status of major and historical springs across the state to see if more springs had gone dry. Indeed, more-many more-have failed over the past 50 years," Robert E. Mace, Ph.D. said, as quoted in a report.

The researchers at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University raised concerns about the increasing dry conditions of spring since the early 1980s.

"As groundwater use in the state continues to rise, the resulting decrease in spring flow jeopardizes not only our groundwater and surface-water supplies but also the ecosystems that rely on these springs," Mace, Meadows Center Executive Director, added.

Alarmingly, the researchers found that the dry conditions reached 30%. The result is higher than expected, compared to data of 11% in 1981. The study can help the state develop adapting strategies to address the drought problem, especially Texas and Southern US are no strangers to challenging drought.

Also Read: Wildfire, Extreme Drought Can Cause Widespread Emergence of Invasive Species in California's Ecosystem

Extreme Drought and Wildfires Effect on Invasive Species

In the recent NWN report, researchers discovered that prolonged drought and wildfires can allow the spread or emergence of invasive species in California. The report was published in Ecology.

The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to climate change effects and prolonged drought. Invasive species can easily spread and multiply, impacting the native species.

As a result, control and mitigation efforts are important to fight invasive species' impact on the economy and ecosystem.

Related Article: Pacific Northeast Vulnerability to Wildfire Risk Doubled by 2035, New Report Warns

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