Drought or No Drought? That is the Question

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Recommended: hydrological cycle

Colorado is known for its vibrant mountains and is in a desirable position in the West as being a water producing state that has numerous mountain ranges from which the rivers are supplied. While the water provided by annual Colorado stream flows is more than enough,
“The seasonal nature of stream flows is not consistent with the demand by Colorado citizens for domestic, agriculture and industry uses. Nearly 2/3 of the annual water occurs during the late spring/early summer runoff. During the winter months of December, January and February only 3% of annual flows occur” (Waterinfo.org).
Currently, the Colorado reservoirs store the spring runoff from the mountain snowpack for later use during the late summer and the low flow winter months. The water storage units along the Colorado River system also provide some of the activities Colorado is known for such as: White water rafting, excellent fishing, and a few other sports, but it is also known for its hydro-electric power (Waterinfo.org).
Currently, the Colorado River provides water to Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico. The Colorado River is running low, and statewide reservoirs are running 83% lower than normal (Naturalnews.com). The biggest impact on climate change will be visible through the water cycle. Expectations of dry climates will become dryer and the wet climates will get wetter. Meaning we are seeing an intensification of the hydrologic cycle, which is expected to continue. The reason that is happening is because as the atmosphere warms it can hold more water. When evaporation happens and the water is moving off the land and into the atmosphere more of that water is held there. This is where evapotranspiration occurs. When ...

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...rotection Agency, 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.
Johnson, Rebecca. "Shrinking Snow Means Steep Slide for Ski Industry." PBS. PBS, 27 Feb. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.
Mitton, Jeff. "Ecology." Learn More About Climate. University of Colorado at Boulder, 2013. Web. 16 Nov.
Pierson, B. "Devastating Long-term Drought Haunts U.S. Southwest: Water Wars under Way between Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming." NaturalNews. Natural News, 6 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.2013.

Udall, Brad. "Water & Energy/ Hotter Dryer Colordao." Learn More About Climate. University of Colorado at Boulder, 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. 2013.

"Water in Colorado - A Brief History." The Water Information Program | Providing Water Information to the Communities of Southwest Colorado. The Southwestern Water Conservation District and Participating Entities in the Four Corners Region., 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.

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