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Future changes in snowmelt‐driven runoff timing over the western US
Author(s) -
Rauscher Sara A.,
Pal Jeremy S.,
Diffenbaugh Noah S.,
Benedetti Michael M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2008gl034424
Subject(s) - snowmelt , environmental science , surface runoff , snow , albedo (alchemy) , climate change , climate model , climatology , greenhouse gas , water year , hydroelectricity , meltwater , water storage , hydrology (agriculture) , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , drainage basin , geology , geography , art , oceanography , cartography , geotechnical engineering , performance art , biology , art history , engineering , geomorphology , electrical engineering , inlet , ecology
We use a high‐resolution nested climate model to investigate future changes in snowmelt‐driven runoff (SDR) over the western US. Comparison of modeled and observed daily runoff data reveals that the regional model captures the present‐day timing and trends of SDR. Results from an A2 scenario simulation indicate that increases in seasonal temperature of approximately 3° to 5°C resulting from increasing greenhouse gas concentrations could cause SDR to occur as much as two months earlier than present. These large changes result from an amplified snow‐albedo feedback driven by the topographic complexity of the region, which is more accurately resolved in a high‐resolution nested climate model. Earlier SDR could affect water storage in reservoirs and hydroelectric generation, with serious consequences for land use, agriculture, and water management in the American West.