EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC CHANGE ON THE THORNTHWAITE MOISTURE INDEX

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Thornthwaite moisture index is a useful indicator of the supply of water (precipitation) in an area relative to the demand for water under prevailing climatic conditions (potential evapotranspiration). This study examines the effects of changes in climate (temperature and precipitation) on the Thornthwaite moisture index in the conterminous United States. Estimates of changes in mean annual temperature and precipitation for doubled‐atmospheric CO2 conditions derived from three general circulation models (GCMs) are used to study the response of the moisture index under steady‐state doubled‐CO2 conditions. Results indicate that temperature and precipitation changes under doubled‐CO2 conditions generally will cause the Thornthwaite moisture index to decrease, implying a drier climate for most of the United States. The pattern of expected decrease is consistent among the three GCMs, although the amount of decrease depends on which GCM climatic‐change scenario is used. Results also suggest that changes in the moisture index are related mainly to changes in the mean annual potential evapotranspiration as a result of changes in the mean annual temperature, rather than to changes in the mean annual precipitation. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved