U.S. southwest region to be hit by prolonged drought conditions

U.S. southwest region to be hit by prolonged drought conditions

The southwestern United States could be hit by drought conditions lasting up to 60 years, the severity and length of which have never been seen since the 12th century, American researchers warn in a study published in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on December 13. Scientists at the University of Arizona analyzed occurences of drought and swings of temperature in the last 1,200 years and used them as basis for climate change models that can serve as basis for resource allocation in the future.

Recorded information plus the examination of rings in the core of trees revealed that drought conditions were much more severe in earlier times compared to today. "Major 20th century droughts pale in comparison to droughts documented in paleoclimatic records over the past two millenia," the study authors wrote. For instance, they cited long droughts and high temperatures recorded during the medieval era.

Chief researcher Connie Woodhouse, who is an associate professor of geography and regional development at the University of Arizona, said that what was experienced then may happen in the U.S. southwest because of the current trend of higher temperature recordings. The study noted that during the 12th century, northern Mexico and the western part of the U.S. experienced a dry spell that lasted for more than 60 years. The Colorado River which runs through seven states were flowing 15 percent below normal during that time. Measurements done in the last ten years show that the river has hit its lowest level since 1906.

Posted by James Fried on Tuesday December 14 2010, 12:16 AM EDT. Ref: Inquirer. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0