| Abstract: | The high demand for water, the recent multiyear drought (1999-2007), and projections of global warming have raised questions about the long-term sustainability of water supply in the southwestern United States. In this study, the potential effects of specific levels of atmospheric warming on water-year streamflow in the Colorado River basin are evaluated using a water-balance model, and the results are analyzed within the context of a multi-century tree-ring reconstruction (1490-1998) of streamflow for the basin. The results indicate that if future warming occurs in the basin and is not accompanied by increased precipitation, then the basin is likely to experience periods of water supply shortages more severe than those inferred from the longterm historical tree-ring reconstruction. Furthermore, the modeling results suggest that future warming would increase the likelihood of failure to meet the water allocation requirements of the Colorado River Compact. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70031601 |
| Citation Author: | McCabe, G. J.; Wolock, D. M. |
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| Citation Issue: | 22 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Geophysical Research Letters |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Warming may create substantial water supply shortages in the Colorado River basin; 2007; Article; Journal; Geophysical Research Letters; McCabe, G. J.; Wolock, D. M. |
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| Citation Volume: | 34 |
| Citation Year: | 2007 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Warming may create substantial water supply shortages in the Colorado River basin; 2007; Article; Journal; Geophysical Research Letters; McCabe, G. J.; Wolock, D. M. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2007GL031764 |
| Date Other: | Mon, 1 Jan 2007 00:00 -0600 |
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