Land subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley, California, as of 1980

Abstract

Land subsidence due to ground-water overdraft in the San Joaquin Valley began in the mid-1920's and continued at increasing rates until surface water was imported through major canals and aqueducts in the 1950's and late 1960's. In areas where surface water replaced withdrawal of ground water, water levels in the confined system rose sharply and subsidence slowed or essentially eased.