EBTAG Annual Workshop and Field Trip
October 12-13, 2017

Abstract

Changes in precipitation and temperature for the Española basin

Katrina E. Bennett

LANL EES-16, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, U.S.A., kbennett@lanl.gov

Changes in precipitation and temperature are projected for the region around the Española basin. Specifically, we examined downscaled projections from 20 different climate and earth system models from the most recent Coupled Model Intercomparison Project data base and investigated the seasonal and annual trajectories of change for the region to the 2050s and the 2080s. The region was then compared with two other nearby regions to determine the range of responses from other nearby locations. The future temperature changes for the Española basin are projected to increase by +2-4°C annually by the 2050s, and precipitation is projected to increase annually by +20% on average, with variability across seasons and models. These changes suggest differences in future climate compared to our current climate, and require more in-depth study to determine changes to precipitation form or extreme events.

Keywords:

climate change, precipitation, projections, snow, rain, air temperature


15th Annual Espanola Basin Technical Advisory Group Workshop and Field Trip
October 12-13, 2017, Santa Fe Convention Center