Geologists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the June 24, 2026, earthquakes in Venezuela, affected groundwater levels.
Changes recorded, include the release of tremendous amounts of seismic energy, during the earthquake.
The USGS also said seismic waves can travel thousands of miles, compressing and expanding aquifers as they pass, causing temporary fluctuations in groundwater levels.
While not all wells react to every earthquake, some wells can display unique hydrologic behaviors.
The USGS and partner agencies, found a network of groundwater wells where water-level changes can sometimes be observed after large earthquakes around the world.
Groundwater supplies an estimated 50% of Venezuela’s drinking, industrial, and agricultural water, from about 40,000 wells.
Over 1,450 people died as a result of the quakes, while over 68,000 were reported missing.
Picture: Hydropolitics Association