COSEE Ocean Systems: News
Researchers offer new insights into predicting future droughts in California
Description: According to a new NOAA-sponsored study, natural oceanic and atmospheric patterns are the primary drivers behind California's ongoing drought. A high pressure ridge off the West Coast (typical of historic droughts) prevailed for three winters, blocking important wet season storms, with ocean surface temperature patterns making such a ridge much more likely. Typically, the winter season in California provides the state with a majority of its annual snow and rainfall that replenish water supplies for communities and ecosystems. [Source: NOAA News]
URL: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2014/20141208_californiadrought.html
Availability: Full Text
Source: NOAA News
Publish Date: 12/8/2014
Reading Level: Basic
Page Length:  

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