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The assessment of future precipitation variations prevailing in an area is essential for the research regarding climate and climate change. The current paper focuses on 3 selected areas in Greece that present different climatic characteristics due to their location and aims to assess and compare the future variation of annual and seasonal precipitation. Future precipitation data from the ENSEMBLES anthropogenic climate-change (ACC) global simulations and the Climate version of the Local Model (CLM) were obtained and analyzed. The climate simulations were performed for the future periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100 under the A1B and B1 scenarios. Mann–Kendall test was applied to investigate possible trends. Spatial distribution of precipitation was performed using a combination of dynamic and statistical downscaling techniques and Kriging method within ArcGIS 10.2.1. The results indicated that for both scenarios, reference periods and study areas, precipitation is expected to be critically decreased. Additionally, Mann–Kendall test application showed a strong downward trend for every study area. Furthermore, the decrease in precipitation for the Ardas River basin characterized by the continental climate will be tempered, while in the Sperchios River basin it will be smoother due to the influence of some minor climatic variations in the basins' springs in the highlands where milder conditions occur. Precipitation decrease in the Geropotamos River basin which is characterized by Mediterranean climate will be more vigorous. B1 scenario appeared more optimistic for the Ardas and Sperchios River basins, while in the Geropotamos River basin, both applied scenarios brought similar results, in terms of future precipitation response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reviews all available stable isotopic data concerning precipitation and spring water in Greece, from the 1960s until today. Spatial variability is investigated in order to provide basic information and identify the locally significant parameters that affect isotopic distributions. The area of interest was partitioned into eight sections according to geographical location and climatic characteristics. The distance of the station from the sea and the altitude are the main factors imprinted in the isotopic signature of precipitation. Local meteoric water meteoric line (LMWL) for precipitation and spring water were calculated for each section and for Greece as a whole. Precipitation LMWLs differ from the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) in various ways across Greece. Elevated deuterium excess values are observed, probably due to water vapour originating from the Aegean or the Mid-eastern Mediterranean. Spring LMWLs are more or less consistent throughout the country. Furthermore, a high resolution map of precipitation and freshwater spring (Cl− <200ppm and T <25°C) δ 18O reveals several interesting features such as an orographic shadow effect induced by the Pindos Mountains, a strong climatic signal in southern Greece and a local city-microclimate effect around Athens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]