Breckenridge Destinations supports independent journalism. Click for great deals on vacation lodging in Breckenridge.
A NASA satellite image of the desert Southwest.
Current dry spell matches some of the most severe conditions on record
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — With Colorado River flows at Lees Ferry during the past 10 years registering the lowest levels ever in the historic record, University of Arizona researchers say the Southwest could already be in the midst of a major dry spell comparable to the 12th century drought that drove the Anasazi from the Four Corners region.
Their conclusion is based on a review of previous studies that document the region’s past temperatures and droughts.
“Major 20th century droughts pale in comparison to droughts documented in paleoclimatic records over the past two millennia,” the researchers wrote.
By figuring out when and for how long drought and warm temperatures coincided in the past, the team identified plausible worst-case scenarios for the future. Such scenarios can help water and other resource managers plan for the future, the team wrote. (more…)
Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, global warming, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: Colorado River, drought, Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory, Lees Ferry, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, river flows, Southwest, Southwestern United States, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News | Leave a Comment »
Arapahoe Basin supports independent journalism. Click to visit The Legend online.
Powder's falling at Monarch!! Have you reserved your spot yet?
Innovative energy underwrites coverage of energy stories.
