Unraveling the Hydrological Impacts of Heatwaves Across the United States

The Science

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, and they have serious impacts on water availability. In this study, a research team examined how heatwaves from 2003 to 2022 affected water in the United States and found during and after heatwaves, less water is stored underground, soil dries out, and less moisture evaporates into the air. At the same time, surface runoff and rainfall often increase, especially in the eastern United States, raising the risk of floods. These changes could make managing water resources more difficult in the future.

The Impact

This research demonstrates how extreme heat affected water systems in the United States. between 2003 and 2022. Researchers found heatwaves can reduce water storage in the ground and soil, increase runoff, and raise flood risk. These findings are important for managing water resources and preparing for climate change. This knowledge can help farmers, city planners, and governments protect water supplies and prepare for extreme weather events, improving water management in a warming world.

Summary

This study investigates heatwave effects on hydrological processes in the contiguous United States from 2003 to 2022. Researchers examined how extreme heat influences key water-related factors, such as surface runoff, groundwater storage, soil moisture, and evaporation. Using data from advanced systems like the Global Land Data Assimilation System, the team found heatwaves tend to reduce groundwater and soil moisture while increasing surface runoff and the likelihood of rainfall after heatwaves end. These results indicate heatwaves can lead to heightened flood risks in some regions, especially in the eastern United States, where rainfall often follows extreme heat.

Findings suggest heatwaves can significantly alter the water cycle, with potential impacts on agriculture, water management, and flood prevention. Understanding these changes is critical for developing strategies to adapt to climate change and its effects on water resources. This research provides valuable insights that can help policymakers and planners better manage water supplies and prepare for extreme weather events in a changing climate.

Principal Investigator

Jiafu Mao
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
[email protected]

Program Manager

Daniel Stover
U.S. Department of Energy, Biological and Environmental Research (SC-33)
Environmental System Science
[email protected]

Funding

This research was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science under the Biological and Environmental Research program, specifically through the Terrestrial Ecosystem Science Scientific Focus Area (SFA) and the Reducing Uncertainties in Biogeochemical Interactions through Synthesis and Computation SFA. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where a significant portion of the work was conducted, is managed by UT-Battelle for DOE under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

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