Description

The Bolivian Altiplano is particular vulnerable to harmful effects of climate change and corresponding disturbances in precipitation patterns. In this study, CMIP3 models were analyzed according to their ability to simulate past rainfall patterns. The most accurate models were then used to make predictions regarding summertime precipitation changes. Reductions in precipitation during the summer, runoff increases, higher rates of transpiration, and less frequent rainfall will all contribute to decreased soil moisture beginning in 2020. These findings will be especially relevant when making water use management decisions and adapting agroecosystems to a dryer Altiplano.