California’s weather this year was marked by significant drought conditions that could have lasting implications on the state’s water supply. Twelve months period over which hydrologic records are kept is measured from July 1 to June 30 and as of February 1, 2012, the
Human land use activity has begun to change the regional water and energy cycles – the interplay of air coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, water transpiration by the forest, and solar radiation – of parts of the Amazon basin. In addition, it shows that ongoing
Cracks are seen on the dried riverbed of Poyang lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, in Duchangcounty in East China’s Jiangxi province. The surface water of the lake has shrunk toless than 200 square kilometers, one-twentieth of its
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) reports that September was one of the driest months in some 70 years. All the signs suggest this is the worst year for drought since 1941. The worst drought in 70 years has left thousands of cattle dead and destroyed more than
The record-breaking drought in Texas that has fueled wildfires, decimated crops, and forced the sale of cattle herds has also reduced levels of groundwater to the lowest levels observed in more than 63 years. Groundwater is moisture trapped in pores in the soil and in
Through August, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) estimated that ten weather disasters costing at least $1 billion had hit the U.S., at total cost of up to $45 billion. However, the October 29 snow storm brings us up to eleven billion-dollar disasters. Flood
WMO issued preliminary Status of the Global Climate report. Global temperatures in 2011 are currently the tenth highest on record and are higher than any previous year with La Niña event, which has a relative cooling influence. The 13 warmest years have all occurred
Latest projections indicates that state’s population will double to 46 million over the next half-century. It means that the days of cheap and abundant water are coming to an end, and where the additional supply will come from is not clear.Sixty years after the
The Suguta Valley is one of the driest places in Kenya, and may be one of the driest places near Earth’s Equator. The remote location limits field studies, but data indicate that annual precipitation is less than 300 millimeters (12 inches) a year, while evaporation
More than 2 million Afghans are at risk of hunger and many are bracing to be stranded for months without help as the country prepares for a harsh winter. Save the Children and Oxfam agencies called for a redoubling of the aid effort to reach people in need before the
