USGS

Sensitivity of Water Resources in the Delaware River Basin to Climate Variability and Change

U.S. Geological Survey, Water Supply Paper 2422

by Mark A. Ayers, David M. Wolock, Gregory J. McCabe, Lauren E. Hay, and Gary D . Tasker


Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction

The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

Recent Measurements and Causes of Increasing Greenhouse Gases

Projections of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentrations

Historical Evidence of Climate Change

Detecting Change

Projecting Change From Climate Records

Simulation of the Earth's Climate System

General Circulation Models

Projecting Climate Change With General Circulation Models

Hydrologic Implications of Climate Change

The Thornthwaite Moisture Index

Potential Changes in the Thornthwaite Moisture Index Due to Climate Change

Detecting Changes in the Thornthwaite Moisture Index

Delaware River Basin Characteristics

Water Supply and Water Use-by D.J. Phelan and M.A. Ayers

Effects of Climate, Topography, and Soils on Hydrologic Characteristics-by D.M. Wolock and C.V. Price

Relation of Streamflow to Temperature: and Precipitation

Sensitivity of Water Resources to Climate Variability and Change

Potential Changes in Soil Moisture and Irrigation Demand

Potential Changes in Streamflow

Relation of Changes in Temperature, Precipitation, and Stomatal Resistance to Streamflow Variability

Sensitivity of Streamflow to Changes in Climate and Stomatal Resistance

Potential Difficulty in Detecting Changes in Streamflow

Potential Changes in Drought

Sensitivity of Drought to Changes in Climate

Sensitivity of Drought to Changes in Consumptive Water Use

Sensitivity of Drought to Changes in Reservoir Capacity and Use of Ground Water

Sensitivity of Drought to Changes in Specified Flows

Potential Effects of Sea-Level Rise

Historical and Potential Changes in Sea Level

Effects on Estuary Salinity-by R.A. Walters and M.A. Ayers

Effects on Coastal Aquifers-by W.H. Werkheiser and M.A. Ayers

Effects on Coastal Wetlands

Effects on Coastal Flooding and Erosion

Summary and Conclusions

Selected References

 


 

Back

 



FirstGov button  Take Pride in America button