| Abstract: | The Thornthwaite moisture index is a useful indicator of the supply of water (precipitation) in an area relative to the demand for water under prevailing climatic conditions (potential evapotranspiration). This study examines the effects of changes in climate (temperature and precipitation) on the Thornthwaite moisture index in the conterminous United States. Estimates of changes in mean annual temperature and precipitation for doubled-atmospheric CO2 conditions derived from three general circulation models (GCMs) are used to study the response of the moisture index under steady-state doubled-CO2 conditions. Results indicate that temperature and precipitation changes under doubled-CO2 conditions generally will cause the Thornthwaite moisture index to decrease, implying a drier climate for most of the United States. The pattern of expected decrease is consistent among the three GCMs, although the amount of decrease depends on which GCM climatic-change scenario is used. Results also suggest that changes in the moisture index are related mainly to changes in the mean annual potential evapotranspiration as a result of changes in the mean annual temperature, rather than to changes in the mean annual precipitation. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70016246 |
| Citation Author: | McCabe, Jr. , Gregory, J.; Wolock, David, M.; Hay, Lauren, E.; Ayers, Mark, A. |
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| Citation End Page: | 643 |
| Citation Issue: | 4 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Water Resources Bulletin |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 11 |
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| Citation Publisher: | American Water Resources Association |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Effects of climatic change on the Thornthwaite moisture index; 1990; Article; Journal; Water Resources Bulletin; McCabe, Jr. , Gregory, J.; Wolock, David, M.; Hay, Lauren, E.; Ayers, Mark, A. |
| Citation Start Page: | 633 |
| Citation Volume: | 26 |
| Citation Year: | 1990 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Effects of climatic change on the Thornthwaite moisture index; 1990; Article; Journal; Water Resources Bulletin; McCabe, Jr. , Gregory, J.; Wolock, David, M.; Hay, Lauren, E.; Ayers, Mark, A. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.1990.tb01400.x |
| Date Other: | Mon, 1 Jan 1990 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | American Water Resources Association |
