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CR 14:207-218 (2000)
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Abstract
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Impact of climate variation and change on Mid-Atlantic Region hydrology and water resources
Rob Neff1,*, Heejun Chang1, C. Gregory Knight1, Raymond G. Najjar1, Brent Yarnal1, Henry A. Walker2
1Center for Integrated Regional Assessment, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA 2Atlantic Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental
Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, USA
*E-mail: neff@essc.psu.edu
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ABSTRACT: The sensitivity of hydrology and water resources to climate variation and climate change is assessed for the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) of the United States. Observed streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality data are shown to vary in
association with climate variation. Projections of future streamflow, groundwater, and water quality are made using models determined from these associations and are applied to 2 transient general circulation model (GCM) scenarios. Regional streamflow
increases in one scenario, but decreases in the other; both scenarios result in changes in the seasonality of peak flows. Response of groundwater to climate change depends on the GCM scenario used. Canadian Climate Center (CCC) scenarios suggest recharge
will occur earlier in the year, and that seasonal fluctuations in groundwater levels will be less extreme. Hadley Center scenarios suggest recharge will occur earlier in the medium term, but later in the long term, with seasonal fluctuations in general
being more extreme. Both scenarios show that nutrient loads can be expected to increase in winter and spring because of the expected increase in streamflow. Projected decreases in streamflow and associated nutrient fluxes in July and August could
ameliorate problems associated with estuarine stratification and eutrophication in late summer. These projections demonstrate that future hydrology and water resources will be influenced by climate change, but that uncertainty in accurately projecting
that influence will continue until model scenarios improve.
KEY WORDS: Climate impact assessment · Climate variation · Climate change · Hydrology · Water resources · Mid-Atlantic Region · Climate models
Full text in pdf format
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Published in CR Vol.
14, No. 3
(2000) on May 2
Print ISSN: 0936-577X; Online ISSN: 1616-1572.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2000
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