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干ばつ情報を提供するウェブサイト、アメリカ干ばつモニターが7月31日に発表したデータによれば、カリフォルニア州の58パーセントが「異常な旱魃」状態にある。これは、アメリカの国立旱魃軽減センターが定める基準のうち最も深刻な段階にあたり、州の記録史上最悪の状況だ。
カリフォルニア州で過去最悪レベルの干ばつ
Farmers Hire Drilling Crew To Search For Water To Irrigate Crops(01 of40)
MENDOTA, CA - APRIL 29: Dried and cracked earth is visible on an unplanted field at a farm on April 29, 2014 near Mendota, California. As the California drought continues, Central California farmers are hiring well drillers to seek water underground for their crops after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation stopped providing Central Valley farmers with any water from the federally run system of reservoirs and canals fed by mountain runoff. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Farmers Hire Drilling Crew To Search For Water To Irrigate Crops(02 of40)
MENDOTA, CA - APRIL 29: Dried and cracked earth is visible on an unplanted field at a farm on April 29, 2014 near Mendota, California. As the California drought continues, Central California farmers are hiring well drillers to seek water underground for their crops after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation stopped providing Central Valley farmers with any water from the federally run system of reservoirs and canals fed by mountain runoff. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
State's Extreme Drought Leaves Folsom Lake Reservoir Below 20 Percent Capacity(03 of40)
EL DORADO HILLS, CA - MARCH 20: Dry and cracked earth is visible on what used to be the bottom of Folsom Lake on March 20, 2014 in El Dorado Hills, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Folsom Lake, a reservoir located northeast of Sacramento, has seen its capacity dwindle over the past 2-1/2 years of drought with current levels at around 20% of normal. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Restaurant Chain Chipotle Warns Climate Change Could Force Guacamole Off Their Menu(04 of40)
VALLEY CENTER, CA - MARCH 5: Cut trees are stacked in an avocado grove that was cut down because of the rising cost of water on March 5, 2014 near Valley Center, California. The Chipotle restaurant chain 2013 annual report concludes that increasing weather volatility as well as weather pattern changes and global climate change could have a significant impact on the price or availability of some of their ingredients. As the costs of basics like avocados rise, Chipotle may reluctantly choose to temporarily drop some items from their menu such as guacamole and one or more salsas. Chipotle reportedly uses 97,000 pounds of avocados per day, about 35.4 million pounds per year. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Statewide Drought Forces Californians To Take Drastic Measures For Water Conversation(05 of40)
TURLOCK, CA - FEBRUARY 25: A sign is posted near an almond farm on February 25, 2014 in Turlock, California. As the California drought continues and farmers struggle to water their crops, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials announced this past Friday that they will not be providing Central Valley farmers with any water from the federally run system of reservoirs and canals fed by mountain runoff. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Statewide Drought Forces Californians To Take Drastic Measures For Water Conversation(06 of40)
FIREBAUGH, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Dried and cracked earth is visible in an irrigation channel on February 25, 2014 in Firebaugh, California. As the California drought continues and farmers struggle to water their crops, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials announced this past Friday that they will not be providing Central Valley farmers with any water from the federally run system of reservoirs and canals fed by mountain runoff. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
State's Extreme Drought Leaves Folsom Lake Reservoir Below 20 Percent Capacity(07 of40)
GRANITE BAY, CA - MARCH 20: The dry lakebed of Folsom Lake is visible near the Folsom Dam on March 20, 2014 in Granite Bay, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Folsom Lake, a reservoir located northeast of Sacramento, has seen its capacity dwindle over the past 2-1/2 years of drought with current levels at around 20% of normal. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Statewide Drought Forces Californians To Take Drastic Measures For Water Conversation(08 of40)
FIREBAUGH, CA - FEBRUARY 25: A worker rakes a truckload of shredded almond trees at Baker Farming on February 25, 2014 in Firebaugh, California. Almond farmer Barry Baker of Baker Farming had 1,000 acres, 20 percent, of his almond trees removed because he doesn\'t have access to enough water to keep them watered as the California drought continues. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials announced this past Friday that they will not be providing Central Valley farmers with any water from the federally run system of reservoirs and canals fed by mountain runoff. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Statewide Drought Forces Californians To Take Drastic Measures For Water Conversation(09 of40)
FIREBAUGH, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Rows of uprooted almond trees lay on the ground before being shredded at Baker Farming on February 25, 2014 in Firebaugh, California. Almond farmer Barry Baker of Baker Farming had 1,000 acres, 20 percent, of his almond trees removed because he doesn\'t have access to enough water to keep them watered as the California drought continues. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials announced this past Friday that they will not be providing Central Valley farmers with any water from the federally run system of reservoirs and canals fed by mountain runoff. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(10 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: Dried and cracked earth is visible at what used to be the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(11 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: A security guard walks the perimeter of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(12 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: A car sits in dried and cracked earth of what was the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(13 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: A small pool of water is surrounded by dried and cracked earth that was the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(14 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: A Wall Street Journal newspaper rack sits in dried and cracked earth that used to be the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(15 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: Chairs sit in dried and cracked earth that used to be the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(16 of40)
LOS GATOS, CA - JANUARY 28: A buoy sits in the water at the Lexington Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in Los Gatos, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(17 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: A stream of water cuts through the dry bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(18 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: A pipe emerges from dried and cracked earth that used to be the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(19 of40)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 28: Low water levels are visible at the Almaden Reservoir on January 28, 2014 in San Jose, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at 3 percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(20 of40)
CUPERTINO, CA - JANUARY 30: Low water levels are visible at the Stevens Creek Reservoir on January 30, 2014 in Cupertino, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at three percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Drought Dries Up Bay Area Reservoirs(21 of40)
CUPERTINO, CA - JANUARY 30: Cracked earth is visible at the Stevens Creek Reservoir on January 30, 2014 in Cupertino, California. Now in its third straight year of drought conditions, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years, and reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. Santa Clara County reservoirs are at three percent of capacity or lower. California Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared a drought emergency to speed up assistance to local governments, streamline water transfers and potentially ease environmental protection requirements for dam releases. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California's Central Valley Impacted By Major Drought(22 of40)
VISALIA, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Land is exposed by the extremely low water level of Lake Kaweah on February 5, 2014 near Visalia, California. Now in its third straight year of unprecedented drought, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years and possible the worst in the past 500 years. Grasslands that support cattle have dried up, forcing ranchers to feed them expensive supplemental hay to keep them from starving or to sell at least some of their herds, and farmers are struggling with diminishing crop water and what to plant or whether to tear out permanent crops which use water year-round such, as almond trees. About 17 rural communities could run out of drinking water within several weeks and politicians are are pushing to undo laws that protect several endangered species. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
California's Central Valley Impacted By Major Drought(23 of40)
VISALIA, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Land is exposed by the extremely low water level of Lake Kaweah on February 5, 2014 near Visalia, California. Now in its third straight year of unprecedented drought, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years and possible the worst in the past 500 years. Grasslands that support cattle have dried up, forcing ranchers to feed them expensive supplemental hay to keep them from starving or to sell at least some of their herds, and farmers are struggling with diminishing crop water and what to plant or whether to tear out permanent crops which use water year-round such, as almond trees. About 17 rural communities could run out of drinking water within several weeks and politicians are are pushing to undo laws that protect several endangered species. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
California's Central Valley Impacted By Major Drought(24 of40)
BAKERSFIELD, CA - FEBRUARY 6: Workers drill for water for a farmer on February 6, 2014 near Bakersfield, California. Now in its third straight year of unprecedented drought, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years and possible the worst in the past 500 years. Grasslands that support cattle have dried up, forcing ranchers to feed them expensive supplemental hay to keep them from starving or to sell at least some of their herds, and farmers are struggling with diminishing crop water and whether to plant or to tear out permanent crops which use water year-round like almond trees. About 17 rural communities could run out of drinking water within several weeks and politicians are pushing to undo laws that protect several endangered species. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
US-POLITICS-OBAMA(25 of40)
California Governor Jerry Brown (L), Joe Del Bosque (2L) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) (R) listen while US President Barack Obama speaks after touring the Empresas Del Bosque, Inc. farm February 14, 2014 in Los Banos, California. Obama is visiting the Fresno area where he will speak with members of the community and tour drought effected areas. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images)
US-POLITICS-OBAMA(26 of40)
US President Barack Obama speaks after touring the Empresas Del Bosque, Inc. farm February 14, 2014 in Los Banos, California. Obama is visiting the Fresno area where he will speak with members of the community and tour drought effected areas. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images)
California Breweries Worry That Drought Will Affect Beer Quality(27 of40)
HEALDSBURG, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Low water levels are visible on Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach Park on February 21, 2014 in Healdsburg, California. Sonoma County breweries Lagunitas and Bear Republic rely on water from the Russian River and are worried that the extremely low water levels in the 110-mile waterway will force them to seek water from other sources, including well water, which could have an impact on the taste of their beers. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
California Breweries Worry That Drought Will Affect Beer Quality(28 of40)
HEALDSBURG, CA - FEBRUARY 21: A rope float sits on the dry banks of the Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach Park on February 21, 2014 in Healdsburg, California. Sonoma County breweries Lagunitas and Bear Republic rely on water from the Russian River and are worried that the extremely low water levels in the 110-mile waterway will force them to seek water from other sources, including well water, which could have an impact on the taste of their beers. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(29 of40)
CAMP PENDLETON, CA - MAY 16: The Las Pulgas Fire lights the night on May 16, 2014 at Camp Pendleton, California. The fire is one of three large wildfires on Camp Pendleton that have scorched more than 22,000 acres. Firefighters have been battling 11 wildfires in San Diego County this week, including the fires on the Marine base. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(30 of40)
SAN MARCOS, CA - MAY 15: Flames spread at the Cocos fire on May 15, 2014 in San Marcos, California. Fire agencies throughout the state are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a dangerous year of wildfires in this third year of extreme drought in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(31 of40)
SAN MARCOS, CA - MAY 15: Flames spread toward a house at the Cocos fire on May 15, 2014 in San Marcos, California. Fire agencies throughout the state are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a dangerous year of wildfires in this third year of extreme drought in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(32 of40)
SAN MARCOS, CA - MAY 15: A firefighter pulls a hose in position while battling the Cocos fire on May 15, 2014 in San Marcos, California. Fire agencies throughout the state are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a dangerous year of wildfires in this third year of extreme drought in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(33 of40)
SAN MARCOS, CA - MAY 15: Ranch equipment burns at the Cocos fire on May 15, 2014 in San Marcos, California. Fire agencies throughout the state are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a dangerous year of wildfires in this third year of extreme drought in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(34 of40)
SAN MARCOS, CA - MAY 15: A house burns at the Cocos fire on May 15, 2014 in San Marcos, California. Fire agencies throughout the state are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a dangerous year of wildfires in this third year of extreme drought in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Thousands In San Diego Area(35 of40)
SAN MARCOS, CA - MAY 15: Fire approaches ranch houses surrounded by chaparral brush as the southeast flank of the Cocos fire moves toward near Del Dios Highway on May 15, 2014 near San Marcos, California. Fire agencies throughout the state are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a dangerous year of wildfires in this third year of extreme drought in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Drought Turns California Landscape Brown(36 of40)
LAGUNITAS, CA - JULY 15: Dry grasses partially cover a fire danger sign that is posted in Samuel P. Taylor state park on July 15, 2014 in Lagunitas, California. As the severe drought in California contiues to worsen, the State\'s landscape and many resident\'s lawns are turning brown due to lack of rain and the discontinuation of watering. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Drought Turns California Landscape Brown(37 of40)
FREMONT, CA - JULY 18: An American flag is displayed on a dead lawn in front of a home on July 18, 2014 in Fremont, California. As the severe drought in California contiues to worsen, the State\'s landscape and many resident\'s lawns are turning brown due to lack of rain and the discontinuation of watering. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Fracking In California Under Spotlight As Some Local Municipalities Issue Bans(38 of40)
LOST HILLS, CA - MARCH 23: Discarded hazard tape lies roadside in an oil field over the Monterey Shale formation where gas and oil extraction using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is on the verge of a boom on March 23, 2014 near Lost Hills, California. Critics of fracking in California cite concerns over water usage and possible chemical pollution of ground water sources as California farmers are forced to leave unprecedented expanses of fields fallow in one of the worst droughts in California history. Concerns also include the possibility of earthquakes triggered by the fracking process which injects water, sand and various chemicals under high pressure into the ground to break the rock to release oil and gas for extraction though a well. The 800-mile-long San Andreas Fault runs north and south on the western side of the Monterey Formation in the Central Valley and is thought to be the most dangerous fault in the nation. Proponents of the fracking boom saying that the expansion of petroleum extraction is good for the economy and security by developing more domestic energy sources and increasing gas and oil exports. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Fracking In California Under Spotlight As Some Local Municipalities Issue Bans(39 of40)
LOST HILLS, CA - MARCH 23: A burrowing owl stands next to its burrow near pump jacks in an oil field over the Monterey Shale formation where gas and oil extraction using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is on the verge of a boom on March 23, 2014 near Lost Hills, California. Critics of fracking in California cite concerns over water usage and possible chemical pollution of ground water sources as California farmers are forced to leave unprecedented expanses of fields fallow in one of the worst droughts in California history. Concerns also include the possibility of earthquakes triggered by the fracking process which injects water, sand and various chemicals under high pressure into the ground to break the rock to release oil and gas for extraction though a well. The 800-mile-long San Andreas Fault runs north and south on the western side of the Monterey Formation in the Central Valley and is thought to be the most dangerous fault in the nation. Proponents of the fracking boom saying that the expansion of petroleum extraction is good for the economy and security by developing more domestic energy sources and increasing gas and oil exports. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Fracking In California Under Spotlight As Some Local Municipalities Issue Bans(40 of40)
BUTTONWILLOW, CA - MARCH 22: The lights of a pickup truck streak past roadside memorial crosses standing against the glow of gas being flared as waste from the Monterey Shale formation where gas and oil extraction using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is on the verge of a boom on March 22, 2014 near Buttonwillow, California. Critics of fracking in California cite concerns over water usage and possible chemical pollution of ground water sources as California farmers are forced to leave unprecedented expanses of fields fallow in one of the worst droughts in California history. Concerns also include the possibility of earthquakes triggered by the fracking process which injects water, sand and various chemicals under high pressure into the ground to break the rock to release oil and gas for extraction though a well. The 800-mile-long San Andreas Fault runs north and south on the western side of the Monterey Formation in the Central Valley and is thought to be the most dangerous fault in the nation. Proponents of the fracking boom saying that the expansion of petroleum extraction is good for the economy and security by developing more domestic energy sources and increasing gas and oil exports. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
「今年は旱魃の記録が次々に更新されている状態です」と、センターの気候学者、マーク・スヴァボーダ氏はロサンゼルス・タイムズに語った。カリフォルニアでこれほどの旱魃が記録されたのは、連邦政府が1990年代に旱魃状況を発表しはじめてから初のことだという。
最新の調査では、以前よりも事態が驚くほど悪化していることが明らかになった。2カ月前には、カリフォルニア州全体が初めて「深刻な」旱魃か、それよりさらにひどい状況にあると発表されている。
報告書では、旱魃警報のエリアが拡大したことによる貯水量の減少、河川や地下水の観測結果について言及している。
「カリフォルニアのこの時期にしては、必要な貯水量が不足しており、約6500平方キロメートルの地域で水不足状態だ」と気象学者のブラッド・リッピー氏は報告書に記している。
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