Brown Bag Webinar - Changes in aquifer storage derived from microgravity and water level monitoring in the Tucson Active Management Area

Over the past 20 years, the Tucson Active Management Area has experienced fluctuations in aquifer storage. These changes are a result of recharging imported water and changing groundwater pumping regimes. The USGS uses microgravity to directly measure storage changes in space and time, while Tucson Water measures depth to water in its measurable production wells in an annual round-up. By examining the data from both agencies, it is possible to characterize changes in the regional aquifer and monitor interesting trends in specific geographic areas.

Margaret Snyder began studying environmental science at Hartwick College, in central New York. After attending graduate school at the University of Arizona, she continued working in watershed management, first with the Nez Perce Tribe and then with the USGS. Margaret has been with Tucson Water for 6 years as the project hydrologist for Tucson Water’s Colorado River recharge program.

Libby Kahler is a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey and a graduate of UA’s Hydrology program (MS). She works largely with the USGS Southwest Gravity Program, collecting and analyzing gravity data to answer hydrological questions.