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Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

nytimes.com

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Re: Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

#21

Post by leCapitalist »

TravisLS wrote: post #20

What's the evidence for the link between west coast droughts in recent years and global warming? (I'm not trying to start a debate, just genuinely asking).

I was left wondering the same thing. The author did not present evidence that global warming is the cause, and from the Palmer Drought Index data, the current drought appears no more severe than those of the 30s and 50s.

Re: Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

#23

Post by micro_cam »

josephschmoe wrote: post #4

We really, really need to stop growing lawn grass as a region.

We also need good alternatives. If you just leave disturbed earth or stop watering you wend up with nap weed and other noxious, not native weeds that contribute to desertification.

Developing a mature, drought tolerant landscape is difficult though there are some really interesting techniques used by permaculturists and others.

Re: Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

#24

Post by smhinsey »

lotharbot wrote: post #17
humanrebar wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well, there is a middle ground involving heartier plants that require little watering (and less maintenance to boot).

Denver Water coined the term "xeriscape" (xeros is Greek for "dry") to describe this. They have extensive documentation on how to make it happen, as well as a xeriscaped garden you can tour at their headquarters. http://www.denverwater.org/conservation/xeriscape/

The city of Long Beach will pay you to replace your grass. http://www.lblawntogarden.com/

Re: Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

#26

Post by stiles »

TravisLS wrote: post #20

What's the evidence for the link between west coast droughts in recent years and global warming? (I'm not trying to start a debate, just genuinely asking).

Exactly. The recent drought on the west coast can be attributed to a very massive high pressure system sitting off the coast deflecting away much needed rain storms. http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_24904396/california-dr... --- Is this "resilient ridge" caused by global warming/climate change? Haven't seen any evidence that links the two yet. If El Nino doesn't produce a very very wet this winter, then a lot of change will be coming to the west.

Re: Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

#27

Post by guelo »

leCapitalist wrote: post #21
TravisLS wrote: post #20

What's the evidence for the link between west coast droughts in recent years and global warming? (I'm not trying to start a debate, just genuinely asking).

I was left wondering the same thing. The author did not present evidence that global warming is the cause, and from the Palmer Drought Index data, the current drought appears no more severe than those of the 30s and 50s.

The evidence given in the article is "A 10-year average of Palmer values has been increasing for most of the last 20 years, which is to say that the country is in the midst of one of its most sustained periods of increasing drought on record."

If the new normal is what used to be severe peaks than the west is in trouble. But looking at that graph, especially the non-smoothed light-grey line, I'd say we need another 10 years of data to be sure that we are in a new pattern.

Re: Mapping the Spread of Drought Across the U.S

#28

Post by crygin »

TravisLS wrote: post #20

What's the evidence for the link between west coast droughts in recent years and global warming? (I'm not trying to start a debate, just genuinely asking).

I apologize for not having time right now to track down primary sources for you, but if you're interested in learning more about the current research specifically on this drought and climate, look up stuff related to the position and strength of the North Pacific High, how it's affected by the Arctic Oscillation (and decoupling of the AO from the North Atlantic Oscillation), and how those are related to extreme jet stream configurations (regarding which there is emerging evidence for a relationship with Arctic sea ice extent).

And if you find good stuff, post the links!

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