Global Change Impacts & Adaptation
Watersheds
Current Topics
Climate change effects on water resources in different regions of the U.S. will vary due to differences in the type of climate change, together with local watershed attributes such as geology, land use, and human use and management of water. Potential effects include changes in available water supply, increased risk of flooding and drought and changes in pollutant loading. To reduce the likelihood of harmful impacts, water managers need information and tools to assess potential vulnerabilities at the local watershed scale. Our work includes watershed assessments throughout the nation to examine the potential effects of climate change on streamflow, water quality, and aquatic ecosystems. We also work to develop new theoretical frameworks and computer modeling tools that build the capacity of water managers and other watershed stakeholders to respond to climate change.