Do we see the overall warming of the environment?
It is possible to note that the overall warming of the environment is evident. Temperatures become higher but, due to extreme temperatures, it is not possible to say that the environment is much hotter now. Average temperatures remain almost the same, though summers are much hotter and winters are much colder (Walther, 2013).
Some theorists envisioned that we would see more pronounced warming of minimum temperatures than maximum temperatures. This might result in a reduced range of temperatures. What trends does the data show?
Though some theorists assumed that warming of minimum temperatures would be more apparent than that of maximum temperatures (which would lead to reduced temperatures range), the recent data show that the range remains quite similar. Minimum temperatures are decreasing while maximum temperatures are increasing.
Many theories that look at global warming envisage more drought and less surplus water conditions for inland or continental locations. Therefore, we might see some trends in precipitation amounts and the frequency of certain amounts of precipitation. What do the trends show?
Rao and Al-Wagdany (1995) implemented extensive research on the precipitation and temperature range in the Wabash River basin. According to the research, the temperature increase causes insignificant changes in the magnitude of precipitation. This trend can be explained by the correlation between evaporation (which, in its turn, is caused by snowmelts), runoffs, and precipitation.
In reference to actual evapotranspiration, surplus/deficit conditions, and runoff/streamflow, what might we expect with a warming climate?
Due to temperatures increase and a warming climate, it is possible to expect that runoffs in spring will increase as snow melting will grow. At the same time, snow melting will also increase due to evaporation increase.
Are there clear-cut answers to the trends that we see?
On the one hand, it is clear that global warming causes certain changes in watersheds. Thus, runoffs and precipitation are increasing. However, people are still unaware of the long-term effects of this trend. Besides, it is not clear why global warming occurs.
What does that tell us about researching environmental issues like global warming?
Analysis of such a phenomenon as global warming suggests that people do not understand many phenomena and trends. Though people know a lot about the structure of the planet, the functioning of the planet as a system is still obscure. It is important to observe the recent trends to be able to understand the cause and effect relations between them.
Are there other types of data or information that we need to look at to make a worthwhile analysis? If so, what would they be?
The data available are quite excessive. At present, it is much more important to learn how to analyze the data available (Morton & Brown, 2010). More so, an abundance of data can sometimes distract. Hence, it is necessary to observe, evaluate, and properly analyze the data available to understand the existing trends.
What are the implications of the results of this study?
The study of watersheds and the correlation between warming and the availability of drinking water has a variety of implications. First, people will be able to predict the availability of water in different conditions. This will help develop proper management strategies (Morton & Brown, 2010). Secondly, such studies can help people understand whether they are able to affect some phenomena.
Can you link any of the climate trends to human agency?
Admittedly, people’s activities affect the environment. Agriculture and industries pollute the environment and shape it to a considerable extent. However, it is still unclear whether these operations have led to such global trends as global warming. There had been several periods of climate warming (long before the Industrial Revolution) (Walther, 2013). Therefore, the extent to which humans affect the environment is yet to be identified.
If the trends continue in their current direction, what are the potential implications for people living in the Wabash Watershed?
According to Rao and Al-Wagdany (1995), the situation in the region will largely remain the same. Therefore, the amount of water available will remain almost unchanged. However, this scenario will take place if the people’s activities will be the same as well.
In short, we are looking at a specific geographic area, the Wabash Watershed. We are looking at a specific time period, 1961-1990, utilizing raw, 5-year average, and 10-year average data, with respect to temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration, moisture surplus, moisture deficit, and surface runoff. What does this data tell about this region over this time period, and what does it indicate about the future? Does this tell us anything, positively or negatively about global warming theory?
The data on the Wabash Watershed at the specific time period help people understand the trends which were taking place. The negative effect of irresponsible industrialization and agricultural activities led to a negative impact on the biodiversity in the area. Nonetheless, it is also clear that the average rate of precipitation, evaporation, and temperature still remains almost the same. These data also suggest that the global warming theory is yet to be developed and improved.
Reference List
Morton, L.W., & Brown, S.S. (2010). Pathways for getting to better water quality: The citizen effect. Ames, IA: Springer.
Rao, A.R., & Al-Wagdany, A. (1995). Effects of climatic change in Wabash River basin. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 121(2), 207-215.
Walther, J.V. (2013). Earth’s natural resources. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.