Quantifying the long-term changes of terrestrial water storage and their driving factors
Long-term terrestrial water storage (TWS) trends were dissected and quantified using ELM v1 factorial simulations across diverse biomes and climate impacts.
By uncovering the intricate influences of climate, land use, and CO2 on terrestrial water storage over long-time period, this research enriches our comprehension of global hydrological shifts, informs strategies for water resource resilience, and provides valuable insights for environmental stakeholders and researchers.
Significant drivers of changes in TWS from 1948 to 2012 were quantified, with climate change identified as the dominant factor, particularly affecting temperate regions. Shifts in land use, especially deforestation for agriculture, were also notable influences. The study further revealed complex TWS responses to varying CO2 levels, with distinct regional disparities. The findings underscore the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental factors in shaping global hydrological patterns, signaling critical implications for future water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.