ABSTRACT
Uses .................................................................................................. 199 5.4.2 Flood Damage Reduction and Dam Safety ................................200 5.4.3 Transportation ................................................................................ 201 5.4.4 Power Production........................................................................... 202 5.4.5 Recreation ....................................................................................... 203 5.4.6 Water Quality ................................................................................. 203 5.4.7 Habitat ............................................................................................. 204
Current estimates of climatic change have significant implications for the hydrologic cycle and water resource system. This chapter provides an overview of the problems and issues likely to result from potential changes in the magnitude and distribution of water as a result of global climate change. Potential response strategies to cope with current hydrologic variability, as well as projected changes, are also examined. Finally, research and development needs are outlined to improve the flexibility, resiliency, and robustness of water resource systems to deal with the projected, but uncertain, climatic changes and present variability that stresses existing systems.
