Geophysical Methods for Sustainable Groundwater Management

Geophysical methods present a significant opportunity for meeting information needs under SGMA. Based on learning from the first three data workshops in our series, it is clear that many groundwater basins across the state lack basic data or information to make effective management decisions. Some specific areas of data uncertainty include locating groundwater recharge areas and estimating recharge potential; characterizing groundwater-surface water interactions; estimating groundwater extractions; and characterization of groundwater quality. This workshop uses case studies to provide examples of where geophysical methods have been successfully deployed for: improved basin characterization; siting and monitoring groundwater recharge facilities; and to monitor groundwater quality and groundwater-surface water interactions.