Final answer:
The largest saturated thickness of the Ogallala Aquifer is likely in parts of Nebraska, with thickness levels of 100-200 meters or more. These areas would therefore have the most available groundwater, essential for planning new wells and for sustainable water management in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The section of the Ogallala Aquifer that has the greatest saturated thickness is likely located in the areas where the aquifer extends through parts of Nebraska. The saturated thickness is highest in these regions, as indicated by digital maps that categorize the thickness of the aquifer in various ranges represented in meters and feet. The locations with the greatest saturated thickness would have measurements in the higher ranges, such as 100-200 meters (approximately 328-656 feet) or even higher, and this implies that they contain the most water within the aquifer system.
Professional analysis of such maps, as well as geological studies, indicate that the central parts of the High Plains, especially Nebraska, possess some of the highest levels of saturated thickness. As a hydrogeologist, identifying these areas would be critical when planning the establishment of new water wells, to ensure access to an abundant groundwater supply for agricultural and other uses. This information about the Ogallala Aquifer's saturated thickness is essential for sustainable water management and planning in the region.
It is important to note that ongoing extraction of water, primarily for irrigation purposes, poses a sustainability threat to the Ogallala Aquifer. Efforts to conserve this vital water source need to consider not just the physical aspects of the aquifer, but also how they intersect with economic and political choices, such as those discussed in the context of Western Libertarianism and shared finite resources.