Napa earthquake shakes loose unknown groundwater [View all]

[Brother Buzz]

Napa earthquake shakes loose unknown groundwater

Sunday, September 7, 2014

VALLEJO, Calif. (AP) — A major Northern California earthquake that caused an estimated $400 million in damage also unloosed torrents of groundwater that may help ease the region's drought.

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Scientists say they've known of this phenomenon since at least the 1860s and have since documented similar occurrences with underground water after several major earthquakes.

The U.S. Geological Survey has received reports of dramatic water increases as much as 20 times average in creeks near Napa, Sonoma and Vallejo. USGS geologist Tom Holzer said he expects other creeks throughout the region of having received similar water infusions.

Holzer said the earthquake opened new cracks and fissures and allowed groundwater to find its way to the surface.

The potential bonanza is expected to dry up in about six to eight weeks when underground water levels return to normal and may even diminish, effecting residents with wells.

"There is only so much water in there," Holzer said. "It's like a bank account. You've just reached into the bank account and borrowed some money, but the spending spree will eventually end."

http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Napa-earthquake-shakes-loose-unknown-groundwater-5739929.php

Some springs shut down, some new ones appear - 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'. I would not be surprised if one or two of these new spring turns out to be a hot mineral water.