Geography: The State of Texas

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Situated in the south central part of the United States, Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. It is also the third fastest growing state and holds a number of the most populous cities in the nation [US Census,2013] and number one in the nation in producing greenhouse gasses [EPA, 2013]. Stress in water resources can be seen in rapidly populated and over populated areas, where the water demand is high and availability is limited. This is particularly magnified in Texas due to climate change. It is important to identify different factors that shape Texas’ climate before characterizing its implication on water supply in the future.

Texas climate is challenging to categorize because of its great size and varying topographic characteristics. Geological factors such as the North American Cordillera hinder air travel west to east and vice versa, while also preventing cold air masses from the Arctic Circle travel southward to into the state. The Gulf of Mexico, supplies the air with moisture and buffers fluctuating temperatures [larkin and Bomar, 1983]. These factors form a range of climates in the state from subtropical-arid to subtropical-humid. [larkin and Bonmar, 1983]. A trend can be seen in relation to average temperature and precipitation. Temperature increases north to south (figure 1) and precipitation increases east to west (figure 2).

FIG1. Caption of ave temp FIG.2 caption will explain the trending precip. pattens

Texas climate cannot be simply explained by variations in mean temperatures and rainfall, but must be combined with variation in severe and high impact weather too. Tornados hail, and hurricanes are common occurrences throughout springtime. Hurricanes can yield substantial amounts of rainfall causing major flooding. [NG,2005] Drought also must be included when focusing on high impact weather in Texas.

Extreme weather events, such as drought, are tremendously important when considering stressors to water resources. History of drought has been documented in Paleoclimate studies using long lived tree species indigenous to Texas. Tree-ring proxies are especially useful when reconstructing histories of climate change across a large region like Texas, since many can be sampled from different areas. Annual tree ring data can give a precise year-to-year temperature and precipitation records. Tree ring data has shown droughts lasting a decade or more staggered throughout the state happening randomly since the 1600’s. (why this is important to water supply) [Brenner]

Temperatures in Texas are projected to rise 2°C to 5°C with the next century.

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