Observed changes in hydroclimate attributed to human forcing

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000303
• Publication Date: 2023-11-30T18:22:49Z
• Authors: Dimitris A. Herrera; Benjamin I. Cook; John Fasullo; Kevin J. Anchukaitis; Marc Alessi; Carlos J. Martinez; Colin P. Evans; Xiaolu Li; Kelsey N. Ellis; Rafael Mendez; Toby Ault; Abel Centella; Tannecia S. Steph...; Michael A. Taylor
• Keywords: Forcing (mathematics)

Observational and modeling studies indicate significant changes in the global hydroclimate twentieth early twenty-first centuries due to anthropogenic climate change. In this review, we analyze recent literature on observed attributable forcing, physical biological mechanisms underlying those changes, advantages limitations of current detection attribution methods. Changes magnitude spatial patterns precipitation minus evaporation ( P–E ) are consistent with increased water vapor content driven by higher temperatures. While thermodynamics explains most contribution dynamics is not yet well constrained, especially at regional local scales, observations models. Anthropogenic change has also severity likelihood contemporaneous droughts southwestern North America, South Mediterranean, Caribbean. An frequency extreme events shifts phenology been attributed considerable uncertainties persist role plant physiology modulating vice versa, emerging evidence indicates that canopy demand longer growing seasons negate water-saving effects from water-use efficiency.