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Direct human influence of irrigation on atmospheric water vapour and climate.
- Source :
-
Climate Dynamics . Jun2004, Vol. 22 Issue 6/7, p597-603. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- Human activity increases the atmospheric water vapour content in an indirect way through climate feedbacks. We conclude here that human activity also has a direct influence on the water vapour concentration through irrigation. In idealised simulations we estimate a global mean radiative forcing in the range of 0.03 to +0.1 Wm–2 due to the increase in water vapour from irrigation. However, because the water cycle is embodied in the climate system, irrigation has a more complex influence on climate. We also simulate a change in the temperature vertical profile and a large surface cooling of up to 0.8 K over irrigated land areas. This is of opposite sign than expected from the radiative forcing alone, and this questions the applicability of the radiative forcing concept for such a climatic perturbation. Further, this study shows stronger links than previously recognised between climate change and freshwater scarcity which are environmental issues of paramount importance for the twenty first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09307575
- Volume :
- 22
- Issue :
- 6/7
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Climate Dynamics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16983910
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-004-0402-4