Cause of California drought linked to climate change. NSF

[adirondacker]

"September 29, 2014

The atmospheric conditions associated with the unprecedented drought in California are very likely linked to human-caused climate change, researchers report.

Climate scientist Noah Diffenbaugh of Stanford University and colleagues used a novel combination of computer simulations and statistical techniques to show that a persistent region of high atmospheric pressure over the Pacific Ocean--one that diverted storms away from California--was much more likely to form in the presence of modern greenhouse gas concentrations.

The result, published today in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, is one of the most comprehensive studies to investigate the link between climate change and California's ongoing drought.

"Our research finds that extreme atmospheric high pressure in this region--which is strongly linked to unusually low precipitation in California--is much more likely to occur today than prior to the emission of greenhouse gases that began during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s," says Diffenbaugh.

The exceptional drought crippling California is by some measures the worst in state history."

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http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=132709&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click

[upaloopa]

1. As a member of a Home Owners Association board

of Directors in CA I tried to use ideas such as those presented here to support drought tolerant landscaping. I got mostly no support because people want to see green lawns. We can not require people to water their lawns and to water more than twice a week could subject you to a $500 fine. Yet people insist on green lawns.

[adirondacker]

2. Glad to be of assistance in your quest.

I grew up mowing a half an acre of lawn by hand and worked in landscaping earlier on. I hardscaped my building lot with gravel and a deck to eliminate any need for a mower. Personally, I think more people enjoy mowing a lawn for the sake of feeling they accomplished something. I'm done with that form of self gratification. I've seen hardscaped lawns in Tucson, Washington and the east coast that are much more aesthetically pleasing than a mowed patch of grass. Just comparing the two cities of Tuscon and Phoenix is an eye opener. Don't even get me started with golf courses.


Best Wishes

[Thirties Child]

3. I think a green lawn in the desert is immoral.

We lived in the southwestern corner of New Mexico for ten years, and loved our desert landscaping, which was boulders, gravel, agave and cactus. It was beautiful.