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A step increase in streamflow in the conterminous United States

January 1, 2002

Annual minimum, median, and maximum daily streamflow for 400 sites in the conterminous United States (U.S.), measured during 1941-1999, were examined to identify the temporal and spatial character of changes in streamflow statistics. Results indicate a noticeable increase in annual minimum and median daily streamflow around 1970, and a less significant mixed pattern of increases and decreases in annual maximum daily streamflow. These changes in annual streamflow statistics primarily occurred in the eastern U.S. In addition, the streamflow increases appear as a step change rather than as a gradual trend and coincide with an increase in precipitation.

Publication Year 2002
Title A step increase in streamflow in the conterminous United States
DOI 10.1029/2002GL015999
Authors G.J. McCabe, D. M. Wolock
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70024241
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse