Articles | Volume 382
https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-382-837-2020
https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-382-837-2020
Pre-conference publication
 | 
23 Apr 2020
Pre-conference publication |  | 23 Apr 2020

Solutions for subsidence in the California Delta, USA, an extreme example of organic-soil drainage gone awry

Steven J. Deverel, Sabina Dore, and Curtis Schmutte

Cited articles

Arcadis: Risk analysis methodology: Delta levees investment strategy, available at: https://cawaterlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DLIS-RISK-ANALYSIS-METHODOLOGY-JULY-2016-Final.pdf (last access: 2 April 2020), 2016. 
Boumans, R. M. J. and Day, J. W.: High precision measurements of sediment elevation in shallow coastal areas using a sedimentation-erosion table, Estuaries, 16, 375–380, https://doi.org/10.2307/1352509, 1993. 
California Air Resources Board: Assembly Bill 32 Scoping Plan, available at: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/scopingplan.htm (last access: 22 March 2020), 2018. 
California Air Resources Board: California Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory – 2019 Edn., available at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/data/data.htm (last access: 22 March 2020), 2019. 
Chen, W. H., Haunschild, K., Lund, J. R., and Fleenor, W. E.: Current and long-term effects of Delta Water Quality on drinking water treatment costs from disinfection byproduct formation, San Francisco Estuary Watershed Science, 8, 3, https://doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2010v8iss3art4, 2010. 
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Short summary
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is home to organic soils that have subsided up to 9 m, decreasing native aquatic species populations, water quality degradation, vulnerable levees and decreasing agricultural viability. Once a vibrant ecosystem, cultivation of organic soils and hydrologic alteration threatens a key element of California's water supply system. Radical changes are required for meeting the ecosystem and water supply goals.