ABSTRACT
Water is a critical resource of the Southern United States and is intimately linked to other ecosystem and societal values. The South is known for its warm climate, rich water resources (Figure 9.1), and large acreage of forest lands that provide an ideal place for people to live. Indeed, water availability is central to sustaining an economy that relies on irrigation agriculture, forestry, recreation,
Goals and Approaches ....................................................................................................................250 What We Already Know and Do Not Know .................................................................................. 252 Water Quantity ............................................................................................................................... 253
Evapotranspiration .................................................................................................................... 253 Low Flows ................................................................................................................................. 255 Total Water Yield .......................................................................................................................256
Water Quality .................................................................................................................................260 Water Temperature .................................................................................................................... 261 Soil Erosion and Sediment ........................................................................................................264 Salinity Intrusion ....................................................................................................................... 271
Management Options for Mitigation and Adaptation .................................................................... 273 Sea Level Rise and Hurricanes .................................................................................................. 274 Extreme Precipitation Events and Low Flows .......................................................................... 275 Water Quality ............................................................................................................................ 276 Moderating Climate and Mitigating Impacts through Forest Restoration and Afforestation ... 277
