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Drought

Pinon Pine Trees Killed by Drought and Invasive Beetles in Arizona

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The Colorado River Basin is currently experiencing its worst drought in recorded history. Drought impacts include worsening habitat conditions for several threatened and endangered species, wildland fire risks, reduced snowpack, changes in water availability and agricultural production; reduced recreation opportunities; and negative affects on residents and business in the basin.

USGS Drought Science

Corn showing the effects of drought in Texas

The USGS provides critical science for understanding the complexity of drought issues and the impact of drought and compounding hazards, such as wildfire, on human and natural systems. The USGS produces a wide variety of actionable intelligence in the form of observation and monitoring networks, predictive models, and tools to support drought adaptation planning.

Agency Collaboration

Partners discuss seasonal drought experiments.

Federal agencies and stakeholders are working together to find the answers to the complex questions around drought. This strategic approach can enable the USGS to provide the integrated and predictive science to guide policy and management decisions that will help mitigate the effects of the drought on human and natural ecosystems.

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panoramic shot of sagebrush with mesas and canyon landscape in the background

AI-driven science synthesis tools for resource managers

The scientific literature is abundant on drought-related topics in the western United States, including areas of the Colorado River Basin and the sagebrush biome. Scientists, resource managers, and decision makers use this science to assess, predict, and respond to the effects of drought on people and the environment. However, it can be difficult to quickly synthesize large amounts of research. To...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology, Drought
AI-driven science synthesis tools for resource managers

AI-driven science synthesis tools for resource managers

The scientific literature is abundant on drought-related topics in the western United States, including areas of the Colorado River Basin and the sagebrush biome. Scientists, resource managers, and decision makers use this science to assess, predict, and respond to the effects of drought on people and the environment. However, it can be difficult to quickly synthesize large amounts of research. To...
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The Colorado River water reflects blue skies and red Grand Canyon walls

Deep Dive: Managing for the Future of the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River delivers drinking water to more than 40 million people and hydroelectric power to millions in the West. Explore how the CASCs are helping partners implement proactive water planning and management, understand the impacts of different reservoir operations on aquatic life, adapt to natural hazards, and more.
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Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology
Deep Dive: Managing for the Future of the Colorado River Basin

Deep Dive: Managing for the Future of the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River delivers drinking water to more than 40 million people and hydroelectric power to millions in the West. Explore how the CASCs are helping partners implement proactive water planning and management, understand the impacts of different reservoir operations on aquatic life, adapt to natural hazards, and more.
Learn More
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