Local Climate Change in Pasadena, Calif., and the Impact on Streamflow

摘要

Pasadena, Calif., has used the Arroyo Seco as a source of water for more than 100 years. During this period, local air temperatures have risen dramatically, resulting in a significant increase in streamflow. The median streamflow in the period 1962-2016 was 30% higher than the median streamflow in the period 1910-1961. A substantial portion of that increase has been in the form of extreme flow episodes, with flows greater than 1 m(3)/s. If the data from the recent drought (2011-2016) are eliminated, the increase in streamflow is even greater. This increased water flow in the Arroyo Seco might seem to indicate that there is a greater supply of water in the stream. However, because of the high velocities and destructive forces associated with the extreme flows, this may not be the case.