美国西部的长期干旱变化
Edward R Cook1, Connie A Woodhouse, C Mark Eakin
1Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY 10964, USA. drdendro@ldeo.columbia.edu
概括
目前美国西部的干旱非常严重,但历史数据显示,在公元900年至1300年之间发生了更严重的干旱. 未来的变暖可能会增加北美西部的长期干旱.
科学领域:
- 古气候学 古气候学
- 气候科学 气候科学
- 水文学 水文学
背景情况:
- 美国西部目前正面临着严重的多年干旱.
- 这次干旱的严重程度在最近的水气候记录中是值得注意的.
研究的目的:
- 重建和分析美国西部过去的干旱状况.
- 为了比较当前的干旱与历史的干旱事件.
主要方法:
- 在美国西部,利用了跨越1200年的网格干旱重建.
- 分析了古气候数据,以确定高干旱时期.
主要成果:
- 目前的干旱不如公元900年至1300年的史诗性干旱时期那么严重.
- 这一早期极端干旱的时期与中世纪温暖时期一致.
结论:
- 美国西部的干旱程度可能是气候变暖的自然反应.
- 未来的变暖趋势可能导致北美西部长期干旱的显著增加.
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