 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 The Law of the (Colorado) River

   October 21, 2021


    EPODa.LakeMeadeMay2019 (004)

   Photographer:  Thomas McGuire
   Summary Author:  Thomas McGuire

   In 1922 seven states met to establish the  Colorado River Compact.
   Since then, there have been hundreds of changes, bitterly fought court
   cases, and even a military confrontation. This has resulted in gigantic
   mass of convoluted regulations collectively called  “The Law of the
   River.“ With changing needs, drought and a warming climate, it still
   grows.

   As the  20-year mega-drought in the southwestern U.S. continues,
    Lake Mead (shown above), the nation’s largest reservoir, has
   dropped below the critical level of 1,075 ( m) feet above sea level. As
   of September 15, 2021, it’s at  1,068 ft (326 m) and still
   declining.  Lake Meade’s storage is only about 35% of capacity. This
   shortage is unwelcome, but long anticipated. Uses of river water have
   been  prioritized. The first major reductions will occur in
   agricultural irrigation; by far, the greatest water use. Municipal
   water has a much higher priority, as do the rights of certain Native
   American tribes.

   The goal is a sustainable balance between supplies and needs as our
   population grows and climate changes. Most experts think it can
   probably be done, but major innovations and perhaps even new water
   sources will be required. Photo taken in late summer 2019.


     * Boulder City, Nevada Coordinates: 36.020998, -114.770214

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Hydrology Links

     *  Current Sea Surface Temperature
     *  NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery
     *  Ocean Color
     *  What is hydrology?
     *  Tides and Currents
     *  Water Resources of the United States
     *  World Waterfall Database
     *  The USGS Water Science School
     *  World Water Database
     *  The World’s Water
     *  USGS Surface Water Information Pages

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   Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the  Universities
   Space Research Association.

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