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Irrigation's Influence on Precipitation: Texas High Plains, USA
| Title | Irrigation's Influence on Precipitation: Texas High Plains, USA |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2002 |
| Authors | Moore, N., and S. Rojstaczer |
| Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 16 |
| Pagination | - |
| Date Published | AUG 16 2002 |
| ISBN Number | 0094-8276 |
| Keywords | GREAT-PLAINS, LANDSCAPE, RAINFALL |
| Abstract | [1] Using bias-corrected Nexrad precipitation estimates and spatial statistics of rainfall intensity, we examine the influence of irrigation on summer precipitation in the Texas High Plains. In this region, human alteration of the surface water and energy balance has been extreme. Irrigation enhances precipitation downwind, yielding storms of greater duration, length, and accumulation. Irrigation water is not a significant source of moisture feeding precipitation; rather, the cool, wet surface increases low-level instability, triggering storms. We estimate that an additional 6% to 18% of summer precipitation attributable to irrigation falls similar to90 km downwind of the irrigated region. |
| DOI | DOI 10.1029/2002GL014940 |
| Reference number | 428 |
| Short Title | Irrigation's Influence on Precipitation: Texas High Plains, USA |
| Citation Key | 428 |