25
Mar
Which choice best describes data from the table that support Persad and her colleagues’ conclusion?
Simulated Change in Annual Aquifer Input and Irrigation Output if Precipitation Concentration Increases as Climate Models Predict
| Baseline concentration of annual precipitation | % change in water entering aquifers | % change in surface water used for irrigation | % change in groundwater used for irrigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precipitation is currently somewhat concentrated | 4.9 | 0.4 | 0.9 |
| Precipitation is currently evenly distributed | -11.0 | 9.0 | 7.9 |
Some climate models for the western United States predict that while total annual precipitation may remain unchanged from the present level, precipitation will become concentrated into fewer but more intense rain and snow events. University of Texas climate scientist Geeta Persad and her colleagues simulated how the amount of water entering aquifers and the amount being used for irrigation purposes would change if this were to occur. Persad and her colleagues concluded that concentrating precipitation into fewer events would result in a higher number of dry days, triggering more irrigation, but that this change in irrigation output is highly sensitive to the baseline concentration of precipitation that currently exists in an area.
