Impacts
Budget Cuts May Force Closure of 375 Stream-Gauges
Due to budget cuts including sequestration, the USGS may be forced to cease operation of up to 375 stream gauges across the nation. Currently the agency’s network contains more than 8,000 gauges that monitor stream discharge and help water managers predict and address drought and flood conditions.
Hydraulic Fracturing Increases Water Stress in Already Stressed Regions
A large portion of hydraulic fracturing operations in the U.S.
Assessment Outlines Future Climate Changes, Impacts in SW
The Southwest U.S. will continue to get warmer over the 21st century, with fewer cold waves and longer, hotter heat waves, according to an expansive new book published by Island Press.
Climate Zones Shifting Faster Than Previously Thought
Climate change will shift climate zones at a faster rate than previously thought, according to a recent study in Nature Climate Change. Previous projections estimated a linear relationship between increasing global mean temperature and the pace of shifting climate zones, although few prio
Scientists Confirm Recent Warming Trend Due to Humans
Natural variability alone cannot explain the recent (past century) warming trend, confirms a new study published in Nature Geoscience.
Oceans Absorbing More Heat
Over the past decade, the upper ocean has been warming at a slower rate than it has since 1958, while the deeper ocean below 2300 feet has experienced an increase in warming, according to new research published in Geophysical Research Letters.
Groundwater Pumping Decreasing AZ’s Verde River Streamflow
Drought May Push Food Prices Up 3 to 4 Percent
Food prices are predicted to increase 3 to 4 percent this year, due to the severe drought in the Midwest last year, according to the 2013 Food Price Outlook from the USDA.
Shifts in Wine Production Location May Impact Ecosystems, Water
As the locations suitable for wine grape production shift due to climatic changes, impacts on upland ecosystems and water use for irrigation will increase, according to a new report published in PNAS.
Climate Change Will Make Transatlantic Flights Bumpier
Transatlantic flights may be bumpier and possibly longer by the middle of this century, leading to higher fuel consumption and emissions, according to a recent report published in Nature Climate Change. Using climate model simulations, the authors found that when carbon dioxide in the atm