Future changes in snowmelt-driven runoff timing over the western US
- UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Michael M. Benedetti, Associate Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
- Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
Abstract: We use a high-resolution nested climate model to
investigate future changes in snowmelt-driven runoff (SDR)
over the western US. Comparison of modeled and observed
daily runoff data reveals that the regional model captures the
present-day timing and trends of SDR. Results from an A2
scenario simulation indicate that increases in seasonal
temperature of approximately 3 degrees to 5 degrees C resulting from
increasing greenhouse gas concentrations could cause SDR
to occur as much as two months earlier than present. These
large changes result from an amplified snow-albedo feedback
driven by the topographic complexity of the region, which is
more accurately resolved in a high-resolution nested climate
model. Earlier SDR could affect water storage in reservoirs
and hydroelectric generation, with serious consequences for
land use, agriculture, and water management in the American
West.
Future changes in snowmelt-driven runoff timing over the western US
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Rauscher, S. A., Pal, J. S., Diffenbaugh, N. S., & Benedetti, M. M. (2008). Future changes in snowmelt-driven runoff timing over the western US. Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L16703. doi:10.1029/2008GL034424. To view the published open abstract, go to http://dx.doi.org and enter the DOI.
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- Climatic changes--West (U.S.) , Greenhouse gases--West (U.S.), Runoff--West (U.S.)
- Subjects
- Climatic changes--West (U.S.)
- Runoff--West (U.S.)
- Greenhouse gases--West (U.S.)