Abstract
Regional Climate Change studied during 1950-2019 aimed at enhancement of aridity was indicated recently in the Lake Kinneret (Israel) watershed. Climate change was indicated by: Higher periodical frequency of negative SPI Values (Standard Precipitation Index), decline of Precipitation regime and River flow inputs that was followed by decline of Lake Kinneret WL and Elevation of ET regime. Nevertheless aridity enhanced the opposite, decline of ET capacities. Underground flows indicated outputs enhancement. The temporal decline of air temperature during 1940-1980 probably due to the change of ALBEDO Factor was twisted later into regional temperature elevation. During the 1950s, old lake Hula and surrounding wetlands were drained and water cover surface was converted to plant cover, which enhanced sunlight energy reflection. Followed eventual climate change, management legislations were a reduction of water allocation for agricultural irrigation. A recent public dispute has indicated contradicted conclusions as causation for WL decline in Lake Kinneret: 1) Enhancement of Agricultural water consumption in the Upper Jordan Watershed and 2) Climate change-aridity enhancement. This paper confirms the second conclusion.
Highlights
The water balance of the watershed of Lake Kinneret and its consequent water level were significantly affected recently as a result of climate change resulting in 5 years in a row of severe drought
Gophen tion (Figure 1) and the Headwaters yields and decline of Water level in lake Kinneret was recorded (Figure 2); air temperature increase (Figure 3; from 1985 by 1 ̊C) in the watershed and of lake water of 1.2 ̊C and 2.0 ̊C respectively; lowering of the Ground Water Table (GWT) in the Hula Valley; reduction of nutrient transportation by river inflows into Lake Kinneret due to the decline of discharges; Water allocation and agricultural usage in the Kinneret watershed significantly reduced; It is suggested that the Kinneret WL decline is likely to be the result of climate change, and water scarcity but not to enhancement of agricultural farming consumption
Lake ecosystem services priorities for Lake Kinneret comprised of the followings: top priority is given to domestic water supply, and lower priorities are given to fishery, tourism, recreation and nature protection
Summary
The water balance of the watershed of Lake Kinneret and its consequent water level were significantly affected recently as a result of climate change resulting in 5 years in a row of severe drought. A called for severe limitation of agricultural water allocation and consumption in the watershed were implemented aimed at protection of lake inflow capacities. M. Gophen tion (Figure 1) and the Headwaters yields and decline of Water level in lake Kinneret was recorded (Figure 2); air temperature increase (Figure 3; from 1985 by 1 ̊C) in the watershed and of lake water of 1.2 ̊C and 2.0 ̊C respectively; lowering of the Ground Water Table (GWT) in the Hula Valley; reduction of nutrient transportation by river inflows (concentrations and mass) into Lake Kinneret due to the decline of discharges; Water allocation and agricultural usage in the Kinneret watershed significantly reduced; It is suggested that the Kinneret WL decline is likely to be the result of climate change, and water scarcity but not to enhancement of agricultural farming consumption. The evaluation of rational concept for management during drought conditions is presently highly required
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