ABSTRACT
In recent years great emphasis has been given to the potential impact that human induced increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) will have on the global climate during the next 50 to 100 years [1, 2]. Significant changes are expected to occur in the air temperature, sea surface temperature, sea level, and the magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events. Potential impacts on water resources in rain-dominated catchments, such as those found in the Caribbean Region [3] include: higher precipitation extremes, increase in streamflow seasonal variability, with higher flows during the wet season and lower flows during the dry season; increase in extended dry period probabilities; and a greater risk of droughts and flood. Extended dry periods and the potential for greater evaporation will have a negative impact on lake levels used for freshwater supply. Groundwater use will likely be increased in the future due to increasing demand, and because groundwater may be needed to offset declining surface sources during the drier months. Extended dry periods will also reduce soil moisture and therefore increase water demand by irrigated agricultural.
