climate change and supply reliability (continued)
Tampa Bay Water is working with the University of Florida’s Water Institute to understand how changes in rainfall and temperature can affect water supply sources and drinking water demands. This work uses a computer model (MM5) to study climate based on physical features of our region. The research team includes the Southeast Climate Consortium who develops tools that guide decision making for water resource management. The research includes statistical analysis relating changes in rainfall across our region to the El Niño and La Niña conditions.
What Is the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)?
The AMO is an ongoing series of long-duration changes in the sea surface temperature of the North Atlantic Ocean, with cool and warm phases that may last for 20-40 years at a time. These changes are natural and have been occurring for at least the last 1,000 years. Right now, since the mid-1990s, we are in a warm phase.
Historical information shows that the AMO affects temperatures and rainfall in both North America and Europe. These affects include occurrence of droughts and hurricanes.