Abstract
Observed intensification of precipitation extremes, responsible for extensive societal impacts, are widely attributed to anthropogenic sources, which may include indirect effects of agricultural irrigation. However quantifying the effects of irrigation on far-downstream climate remains a challenge. We use three paired Community Earth System Model simulations to assess mechanisms of irrigation-induced precipitation trends and extremes in the conterminous US and the effect on the terrestrial carbon sink. Results suggest precipitation enhancement in the central US reduced drought conditions and increased regional carbon uptake, while further downstream, the heaviest precipitation events were more frequent and intense. Specifically, moisture advection from irrigation in the western U.S. and recycling of enhanced local convective precipitation produced very-heavy storm events that were 11% more intense and occurred 23% more frequently in the densely populated greater New York City region.
Highlights
Precipitation extremes are deadly, damaging to infrastructure and ecosystems, and have prompted widespread interest in identifying anthropogenic drivers, including greenhouse gas emissions and the role of agricultural irrigation
While many observed records over the past few decades are thought to represent the early onset of greenhouse gas-driven climate change [9,39], we suggest the early onset of climate change in the Great Plains has been partially masked by the effects of irrigation
This work adds to mounting evidence that irrigation enhances regional precipitation and finds far-downstream effects
Summary
Precipitation extremes are deadly, damaging to infrastructure and ecosystems, and have prompted widespread interest in identifying anthropogenic drivers, including greenhouse gas emissions and the role of agricultural irrigation. Global and large-scale regional modeling studies suggest summer precipitation in the central US has increased due to irrigation [1,2,3,4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
