Stream flow is directly tied to climate, and numerous studies provide substantial evidence that climate change is a threat to future aquatic water flow processes. In the southwestern United States, mountain snow is a primary water source for streams and rivers. However, climate change is threatening the region's mountain snow, leading to reduced snowpack, earlier snowmelt, and more precipitation falling as rain rather than snow. These effects can change the timing, quality, and amount of water flowing in aquatic systems, creating challenges for natural resource managers.
The goal of the proposed project is to synthesize existing research and management plans to identify misalignments between aquatic flows and the management strategies that support them to better define how aquatic systems will be impacted as climate changes. For example, how will rising temperatures, changes in snowpack, and variable precipitation impact stream flow in the southwest? Or how will changing stream flow patterns influence aquatic communities and ecosystems? The work from this project will address issues such as these and inform adaptation strategies to support healthy aquatic ecosystems for wildlife and human well-being.
