Agriculture, the economic backbone of the Central Valley, is heavily dependent on the pumping of massive amounts of groundwater from the aquifer system, especially during dry years. This vital resource — and its management—  is the topic of the next Modesto Area Partners in Science event.

Chris Petersen, a professional geologist and certified hydrogeologist, will be speaking on the topic of groundwater in his speech “Keeping Our Wells from Running Dry” at Modesto Junior College on Friday.

Petersen’s speech is especially pertinent due to the Central Valley’s recent drought years. The Central Valley is heavily reliant upon the ground water system and Petersen will discuss how groundwater recharge in wet periods using recharge basins and wells could aid management for sustainable groundwater resources. He will provide examples of how other areas of the state cope with similar problems.

Petersen will appear at the Sierra Hall 132 on the MJC West Campus at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The event is open to the public. Admission and parking are free.