Regime shifts in Arctic terrestrial hydrology manifested from impacts of climate warming

5 March 2024

This study provides new estimates of historical and projected changes in pan-Arctic runoff, with emphasis on the impact of permafrost changes and sub-surface flows on large scale hydrology. The impact of permafrost change on hydrological processes is a key uncertainty facing the cold regions hydrology community, and requires comprehensive model-based analysis as presented in this study. The analysis also addresses changes to the terrestrial runoff contribution to the freshwater budget of the Arctic, and so is of interest to a wide range of disciplines.

The press release by the University of Massachusetts can be found at: https://www.umass.edu/news/article/we-know-arctic-warming-what-will-changing-river-flows-do-its-environment

Please also read the article that appeared in The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/arctic-rivers-face-big-changes-with-a-warming-climate-permafrost-thaw-and-an-accelerating-water-cycle-the-effects-will-have-global-consequences-224869

Contact: Michael A. Rawlins (mrawlins@umass.edu)