The Influence of a Variable and Changing Climate on Upper Gila River Streamflow
When
Tumamoc Talks bring together University of Arizona research to the greater Tucson community.
The arid climate of the upper Gila River basin, along with its two distinct precipitation seasons, make it unique compared to snowmelt dominated watersheds such as the upper Colorado River basin. Given the already arid climate, have warming temperatures impacted streamflow in this basin? This talk will explore how climate has influenced streamflow over the past 100 years, considering winter snowpack and monsoon moisture, recent and past droughts, and how temperatures are playing a role. The complex topography and climatology of this basin result in both resilience and vulnerability of its water resources to a changing climate.
Our speaker:
Join us to hear from Dr. Connie Woodhouse, Regents Professor in the School of Geography, Development and Environment at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Woodhouse's research focuses on understanding the hydroclimate of the past to inform current environmental and societal concerns, with a focus on major watersheds in western North America. While paleoclimatology is at the heart of her work, it inevitably extends to include the investigation and understanding of the current controls on hydroclimate. A strong component is the connection between the scientific aspects and the challenges of managing natural resources (especially water) in the face of changing demands, climate extremes, and climate change impacts. A transdisciplinary approach to research has become a primary theme, including not only an interdisciplinary approach, but integrating the perspectives of potential users of scientific information – not as an afterthought, but as a part of the process of shaping a science agenda. Dr. Woohouse's research considers how scientists should take responsibility for their role in addressing societal problems, and their role in educating the next generation of scientists in ways to promote the integration of science into decision making across a broad spectrum of users and decisions.
Some of her current research projects include hydroclimatic reconstructions of the upper Colorado River basin, southern California, and the Missouri River basin. Other evolving interests include investigating past and current tree lines in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Tumamoc Talks are located at the Boathouse at the base of Tumamoc Hill.
Learn more and RSVP at tumamoc-hill@arizona.edu.