Physics
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010georl..3702701s&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 37, Issue 2, CiteID L02701
Physics
1
Biogeosciences: Water/Energy Interactions (1878), Hydrology: Evapotranspiration, Global Change: Climate Variability (1635, 3305, 3309, 4215, 4513), Atmospheric Processes: Climatology (1616, 1620, 3305, 4215, 8408), Hydrology: Hydroclimatology
Scientific paper
Spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration (AE), potential evapotranspiration (PE), and their ratio (AE/PE) in the western United States are examined to describe the annual cycle of moisture availability. Long-term (1971-2000) averages of observed temperature and precipitation, and sunshine data were used to calculate AE and PE. A cluster analysis identifies regions with similar annual cycles of AE/PE. We identify three different spatial scales of variability in AE/PE: (1) broadscale patterns reflect the trade-off between winter-dominated precipitation of the Pacific Northwest and summer-dominated precipitation east of the Rocky Mountains, and the south-to-north decrease in PE related to latitudinal variations in net radiation; (2) mesoscale patterns show the influence of regional-scale features (e.g., the North American Monsoon); and (3) local-scale patterns are related to topography. Understanding the scales of effective-moisture variations is valuable from the perspective of terrestrial ecosystems and water resources management in the mostly arid western United States.
Bartlein Patrick J.
Shinker Jacqueline J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Spatial variations of effective moisture in the western United States does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Spatial variations of effective moisture in the western United States, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spatial variations of effective moisture in the western United States will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1446156