Volcanoes and Hydrology, Water in Central Oregon

VOLCANOES AND HYDROLOGY, WATER IN CENTRAL OREGON

Open to the Public

Contact:  Gretchen Valido, 541-389-0785 

What do volcanoes have to do with your water supply? The volcanic landscapes of Central Oregon have shaped the hydrology of this area in surprising ways, giving us one of the most unique groundwater systems in the western U.S.  Spring-fed rivers and streams in Central Oregon are directly connected to groundwater systems, which provide steady flows and cool water temperatures year-round.  How have volcanoes created this special connection between groundwater and surface water? And what does this connection tell us about water use in Central Oregon and the impacts of withdrawing groundwater for development?  Presented by Daniele McKay, Ph.D., Vulcanologist and Adjunct Instructor at OSU Cascades.