Climate Modeling

Abstract

Climate modeling has historically been used for researching the climate system but the data and projections from climate models are being used increasingly for climate change related impact assessments. These impact assessments include assessing the impact of climate change on riparian ecosystems, surface water, and groundwater among many other sectors. This talk will discuss both the development of climate projections and their use in impact assessments. This talk will first discuss the climate projections themselves, the range of information they can provide, and the sources of uncertainty. The second focus will be on the use of climate projections and modeling in impact assessments, particularly those related to ecosystems and groundwater. Finally, this talk will conclude by highlighting various datasets and resources available for impact assessments in the Rio Grande Valley.