GeoH2oMysteryPix

GeoH2oMysteryPix is a fun, new addition to HydroVisions

by Chris Bonds, Sacramento Branch Member at Large

The idea is simple; I share a question or two, some cool supporting geology and/or water resources photo(s) along with a hint, and readers email their guesses to me.

In a future issue of HydroVisions, I will share the answer(s) along with some background/historical information about the photos and acknowledge the first person(s) to email me the correct answer(s).

GRA looks forward to your participation with this new, interactive section called GeoH2OMysteryPix.

Fall 2022 Answers: What is This? Where is it Located?

Although surrounded by seawater, the Point Reyes Lighthouse never had adequate wells or springs to supply fresh water. The light-keepers were forced to devise this elaborate system for catching and storing rainwater. They piped the cistern water to the residences and down to the fog signal for making steam. The dome in front of you covers the cylindrical 52,000-gallon concrete cistern. The 20,000 ft2 concrete catchment area around the cistern extends far up the hillside and captures runoff from the natural rock formations. The next time you visit Point Reyes, the lighthouse and its rainwater harvesting system and explanatory signage are definitely worthy of your time and attention.

Hint: It is not a Cold War military facility.

A Big Congratulations to GRA member Robert Schultz from Geo Blue Consulting Inc. for being the first to correctly answer the Fall 2022 GeoH2OMysteryPix questions.

Winter 2023 Questions: What are these Patterns? Where are they Located?

Hint: These are not geoglyphs.

Think you know what these Patterns are and Where they are Located?

Email your guesses to Chris Bonds at goldbondwater@gmail.com