The Hydrologic
Cycle: anthropogenic influence on the hydrologic cycle
In coming chapters we will find that the net impact at
the surface of enhanced atmospheric CO2 is to increase the atmosphere's
downwelling longwave flux and warm the surface. It is an interesting fact
that:
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In most regions, the increased downwelling
longwave flux is balanced by evaporation, not warming of the surface air.
As a consequence, the atmospheric hydrologic cycle (for which
evaporation acts as the basic source), the inextricably linked to anthropogenic
climate change and it is generally believed, though not proven, that global
warming will contribute to a perturbed hydrologic cycle.
You may conclude that this is a good thing as it suggests
more rain and fresh water for life. However, it also implies the possible
displacement of climate zones (which can be disasterous) and an increased
frequency of storms.
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