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Examining the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the mid-atlantic region of the United States

Environmental Research Communications
By: , and 

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Abstract

We explored the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In 124 watersheds across this region, we quantified spatial and temporal variation in air temperature (AT), precipitation (P), and streamflow (Q) from 1981 through 2020. Upward directional trends in monthly values of AT, P, and Q indicated an increase of 0.27–1.9 degrees Celsius, 0.12–1.9 millimeters day−1, and 0.01–7.1 cubic meters s−1 day−1, respectively, over the 40-year period. Comparison of the first 20 years to the last 20 years of data indicated an acceleration in the trend slopes in AT, P, and Q. Changes also were observed in temporal trends in the center of volume (CV) of both P and Q, which generally occurred later in the year; the 7-day mean low flow increased, and the annual day of occurrence of the 7-day mean low flow occurred earlier in the year. Principal components analysis revealed differences in P, Q, CVP, and CVQ trends in watersheds with median elevations greater than and less than 400 meters, as well as by latitude. A seasonal analysis revealed that P increased throughout the study area in spring, summer, and fall but decreased in winter. AT, P, and Q have broadly increased across the region over the 40-year period, and the temporal, spatial, and seasonal changes in P have affected Q. Results highlight the strong couplings between climatic variability and watershed responses.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Examining the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the mid-atlantic region of the United States
Series title Environmental Research Communications
DOI 10.1088/2515-7620/ad13a4
Volume 5
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher IOPScience
Contributing office(s) VA/WV Water Science Center
Description 125008, 12 p.
Country United States
State Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
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