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The causes, consequences, and future of the ongoing Western U.S. drought
Topics: Water Resources and Hydrology
, Global Change
, Coupled Human and Natural Systems
Keywords: Drought, hydroclimate, climate change, water availability, U.S. West Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract Day: Sunday Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) Room: Virtual 47
Authors:
Justin S Mankin,
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Abstract
The American West is embroiled in the most severe drought of the instrumental era, with between 70 and 85% of the geographic region classified as being in severe drought since May 2021, capping a two-year period drier than any other since 1895. Drawing in part on our recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Drought Task Force report and our work on interpreting drought projections, I discuss the causes and consequences of this exceptional drought, to include its future over the near and long term with anthropogenic warming. I discuss key hydroclimate uncertainties that remain, as well as some considerations for adapting to the drier reality the Western United States faces over the remaining century, irrespective of climate mitigation.
The causes, consequences, and future of the ongoing Western U.S. drought
