The Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Precipitation in Texas
Date
2010-05
Authors
Parylak, Rebecca K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
<p>Water sustains our cities, rural communities, businesses,
industries, farms, ranches, and the natural environment. Any
disruption to our water supply will significantly affect the
economy and human life (Kursinski 2007). Water is an important,
limited resource and any change in the hydrological cycle might
result in an increase in flood or drought conditions (Kursinski
2007). Texas agricultural economies have adapted to precipitation
regimes; however, they are vulnerable to precipitation anomalies,
especially those that last more than one month (Lyons 1990). An
analysis of 42 stations of annual and seasonal precipitation from
1932-2002 for the state of Texas is presented. Annual and seasonal
total precipitation, precipitation days, and precipitation
intensity are investigated using a linear regression model.
Regression results reveal positive trends in annual precipitation,
days with precipitation, and precipitation intensity for the
southeast region. During the spring and summer months, an increase
in precipitation intensity resulted for stations in the north
central region, while the most notable trend during the fall months
showed an increase in precipitation in the eastern half of the
state, while no change resulted in the west. A decrease in
precipitation days was noted for stations in south Texas, with no
change in intensity or total precipitation.</p>
Description
Keywords
Water sustainability, Precipitation, Water supply
Citation
Parylak, R. K. (2010). <i>The spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation in Texas</i> (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.