Aquifer Content

Spring-fed Rivers, Cold Waters and Trout

Andy Fell — June 09, 2025 - 1:55pm

In an age of climate whiplash, cold streams and creeks fed by aquifers in volcanic rock could be a refuge for the survival of native species, especially salmon and trout which breed in cold mountain streams.

One source of cold stream water is of course snowmelt, but that can vary greatly from year to year. Another, more stable source comes from springs drawing on water stored in porous volcanic rocks. These volcanic aquifers can feed cold water into creeks and streams year-round, potentially supporting rainbow trout, steelhead, Coho and Chinook salmon.

Flooding Farms in the Rain to Restore Groundwater

Katherine E Kerlin — January 26, 2016 - 9:59am

The Central Valley sky was a never-ending expanse of gray. Not a single pixel of blue in sight. Under it, 91��Ƭ Davis scientists were flooding a Modesto almond orchard with half a foot of water. On purpose. In the pouring rain.

It sounds a bit strange, and on Jan. 19, looked even stranger.

Flooding farms in the winter may help replenish groundwater

Katherine E Kerlin — September 09, 2015 - 9:20am

In promising new research, 91��Ƭ Davis scientists worked with ranch manager Jim Morris to deliberately flood alfalfa fields to recharge the aquifer.