Researchers consider U.S. Southwest's response to warmer, drier conditions

摘要: In 2000, the popular press frequently referred to reports that southwestern United States might experience a shift from relatively wet dry conditions during next couple of decades (see http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/discover/PDO.html). These predictions stemmed observations Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) appeared abruptly change “positive” “negative” phase in 1999 (Figure 1). During mid-twentieth century, similar negative PDO was accompanied by prolonged southwest. By extrapolation, some climatologists predicted future drought southwest. Such would heavily affect land use planning region, because national demographics have stressed region's resources over past century From 1990 for instance, population Nevada and Arizona increased almost 2.3 million people (http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/respop.html). To discuss potential scenarios landscape ecosystem response 25 years hot climate, scientists diverse disciplines gathered at University April 2001. The objectives this workshop were address evidence supporting warmer drier climate possible responses (http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/sw-workshop/).